A radioactive material has a count rate of 400 per minute. It has a half life of 40 years. How long will it take to decay to a rate of 25 counts per minute

160 years.

Explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Initial count rate (Cᵢ) = 400 count/min

Half-life (t½) = 40 years

Final count rate (Cբ) = 25 count/min

Time (t) =?

Next, we shall determine the number of half-lives that has elapse. This can be obtained as follow:

Initial count rate (Cᵢ) = 400 count/min

Final count rate (Cբ) = 25 count/min

Number of half-lives (n) =?

Cբ = 1/2ⁿ × Cᵢ

25 = 1/2ⁿ × 400

Cross multiply

25 × 2ⁿ = 400

Divide both side by 25

2ⁿ = 400/25

2ⁿ = 16

Express 16 in index form with 2 as the base

2ⁿ = 2⁴

n = 4

Thus, 4 half-lives has elapsed.

Finally, we shall determine the time taken for the radioactive material to decay to the rate of 25 counts per minute. This can be obtained as follow:

Half-life (t½) = 40 years

Number of half-lives (n) = 4

Time (t) =?

n = t / t½

4 = t / 40

Cross multiply

t = 4 × 40

t = 160 years.

Thus, it will take 160 years for the radioactive material to decay to the rate of 25 counts per minute.

d) the number of neutrons plus the number of protons

unlike poles attract