Chemistry question

Question

Why is half-life such a useful concept for understanding radioactive processes?

1. Having a half-life implies radioactive decay by alpha emission.
2. A half-life is a characteristic value for a given radioactive isotope.
3. Only radioactive processes have half-lives.
4. Half-lives are directly related to the energy of the gamma rays emitted.
5. The half-life can be changed by the conditions of the surroundings.

Answer 1

It is true that the half life is a characteristic value for a given radioactive isotope.

Half life does not only apply to alpha emission, nor is it related to the energy of gamma rays. It is related to the time it takes for 1/2 of the compound to disappear or decay.

The half life is not altered by conditions of the surrounding.

It is not true that only radioactive processes have half lives. Anything that decays or decomposes, or is converted to something else (as in reactants in a chemical reaction) will have a half life.