A radioactive isotope X decays into the stable isotope Y with a half-life of 20 s. Which graph correctly shows how the mass (m) of Y present in an initially pure sample of X varies with time (t)?

Answer:

3) B

X decays into Y. Therefore, as time progresses, the mass of X will decrease and mass of Y will increase.

Half-life of X is 20s. After every 20s, mass of X will halve whilst mass of Y will double.

The question is asking us to identify how the mass of Y varies with time.

Graphs A, C and E show that as time progresses, mass decreases. Hence these are wrong.

Since all graphs show that there are 100g of X; after 20s, there should be 50g (half of 100g).

B

Mass at 20s = 50g (Correct)

D

Mass at 20s = 75g (wrong)

F

Mass at 20s = 100g (wrong)