8 Multiple Choice 10 points If the half-life of uranium- 232 is 70 years, how many half-lives will it take for 10 g of it to be reduced to 1.25 g ? 2 half-lives 4 half-lives 3 half-lives 1 half-life
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Let’s break it down! Starting with 10 g of uranium-232, each half-life reduces the amount by half. So: - After 1 half-life: 10 g → 5 g - After 2 half-lives: 5 g → 2.5 g - After 3 half-lives: 2.5 g → 1.25 g It takes 3 half-lives to reach 1.25 g. Therefore, the answer is **3 half-lives**. Fun fact: Uranium-232 is a fascinating isotope often used in research and nuclear technology, paving the way for advancements in nuclear energy. It's a part of the thorium fuel cycle, which is seen as a potential alternative to traditional uranium-based fuels! And did you know that radioactive decay isn’t just about time? It’s also about probabilities! Each atom of uranium-232 has a 50% chance of decaying every 70 years, which means that some atoms might decay sooner while others hang around longer! This randomness is what makes nuclear physics so intriguing!