Write a beta decay equation for uranium-238

Question

My question is about beta decay. I don't know how to do these types of problems.

Answer 1

M(t) = remaining mass of the isotope at time t from when it was M₀.

 

Usually, there is an exponential decay law at work ⇒

 

M(t) = M₀e^-kt

 

You would have to find k in the appropriate units in a nuclear data table.  You chemistry book may have an appendix that lists k for some radioactive elements.  You could also find k from the half-life T_1/2, if you knew the half-life:

 

k = -ln(1/2) / T_1/2