Question:

Rn decays into Po by emitting an \( \alpha \)-particle with half-life of 4 days. A sample contains \( 6.4 \times 10^{10} \) atoms of Rn after 12 days, the number of atoms of Rn left in the sample will be:

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The number of atoms left after a certain time can be calculated using the half-life formula, which involves the exponential decay of the substance.
Updated On: Apr 22, 2026
  • \( 3.2 \times 10^{10} \)
  • \( 0.53 \times 10^{10} \)
  • \( 2.1 \times 10^{10} \)
  • \( 0.8 \times 10^{10} \)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the decay process.
The half-life \( t_{1/2} \) of radon (\( Rn \)) is 4 days. The number of atoms of radon after time \( t \) can be calculated using the formula: \[ N(t) = N_0 \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{\frac{t}{t_{1/2}}} \] where \( N_0 \) is the initial number of atoms, \( N(t) \) is the number of atoms after time \( t \), and \( t_{1/2} \) is the half-life.

Step 2: Calculate the remaining atoms after 12 days.

Substitute the values into the formula: \[ N(12) = 6.4 \times 10^{10} \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{\frac{12}{4}} = 6.4 \times 10^{10} \times \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^3 = 6.4 \times 10^{10} \times \frac{1}{8} = 0.8 \times 10^{10} \]
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