Question

The half-life of tritium is 12.3 years. What mass of a 48.0g sample remains after 24.6 years? Answer using approximations, giving your best educated guess for answer (do not use equations).

Answer 1

As asked in question we can do it without using formula

Half life is 12.3 years means whatever amount you take it will become half of the initially taken amount.

Here initial amount is given as 48.0 g

Time given is 24.6 years.

If we observe the given time 24.6 years it is equal to two times of 12.3 years.

Initial amount of tritium is 48.0g

After first 12.3 years the amount of tritium is 24.0g (half of initial amount)

Now for next 12.3 years initial amount is 24.0g

So after next 12.3 years that is after 24.6 years the amount of tritium remaining is 12.0g (half of the initial amount 24.0g)

Therefore the sample remains after 24.6 years is 12.0g