In a state of radioactive steady-state equilibrium between a parent nuclide A and its daughter nucli — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question
Question
In a state of radioactive steady-state equilibrium between a parent nuclide A and its daughter nuclide B, what is the mathematical relationship relating their amounts ($N$) to their half-lives ($T_{1/2}$)?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
At radioactive equilibrium, the decay rates are equal: $N_A \lambda_A = N_B \lambda_B$. Since $\lambda = 0.693 / T_{1/2}$, this becomes $N_A / T_{1/2(A)} = N_B / T_{1/2(B)}$, rearranging directly to $N_A / N_B = T_{1/2(A)} / T_{1/2(B)}$.
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