Radioactive decay is a process that follows first-order kinetics. The half-life of 32P is 0.03920 years; how long (in minutes) would it take for the amount of 32P to decrease to 53.25% of its initial amount?

Question

I don't understand at all what to do here

Answer 1

Use the following formula:

T1/2 = T*ln(2)/ln(Ao/At)

Where

T1/2=0.03920 years
T=?
Ao=100%
and
At=53.25%

Solve for T:

(T1/2)/[[ln(2)/ln(Ao/At)]= To

To=(0.03920)/[ln(2)/ln(100/53.25)]

Answer contains four significant figures.

Answer 2

The answer that is given to you will be in years.

Take To and do the following with it:

To*(365 days/1 year)*(24hrs/1 day)*(60mins/1 Hr)= answer in minutes.

Remember, no more than four significant figures.