The concentration of Ni in a new alloy is determined by neutron activation analysis. A 0.500-g sample of the alloy and a 1.00-g sample of a standard alloy that is 5.93% w/w Ni are irradiated with neutrons in a nuclear reactor. When irradiation is complete, the sample and the standard are allowed to cool and their gamma ray activities are measured. Given that the activity is 1020 cpm for the sample and 3540 cpm for the standard, determine the %w/w Ni in the alloy.

Question

The concentration of Ni in a new alloy is determined by neutron activation analysis.  A 0.500-g sample of the alloy and a 1.00-g sample of a standard alloy that is 5.93% w/w Ni are irradiated with neutrons in a nuclear reactor.  When irradiation is complete, the sample and the standard are allowed to cool and their gamma ray activities are measured.  Given that the activity is 1020 cpm for the sample and 3540 cpm for the standard, determine the %w/w Ni in the alloy.