Answer: The radioactive isotope 238Pu, used in pacemakers, | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Chemistry

Chapter 19 Problem 19.96

Question

The radioactive isotope 238Pu, used in pacemakers, decays by emitting an alpha particle with a half-life of 86 yr. (a) Write an equation for the decay process. (b) The energy of the emitted alpha particle is 9.0 3 10213 J, which is the energy per decay. Assuming that all the alpha particle energy is used to run the pacemaker, calculate the power output at t 5 0 and t 5 10 yr. Initially 1.0 mg of 238Pu was present in the pacemaker. (Hint: After 10 yr, the activity of the isotope decreases by 8.0 percent. Power is measured in watts or J/s.)

Solution

Step 1 of 7)

The first step in solving 19 problem number 96 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: The radioactive isotope 238Pu, used in pacemakers, decays by emitting an alpha particle with a half-life of 86 yr. (a) Write an equation for the decay process. (b) The energy of the emitted alpha particle is 9.0 3 10213 J, which is the energy per decay. Assuming that all the alpha particle energy is used to run the pacemaker, calculate the power output at t 5 0 and t 5 10 yr. Initially 1.0 mg of 238Pu was present in the pacemaker. (Hint: After 10 yr, the activity of the isotope decreases by 8.0 percent. Power is measured in watts or J/s.)
From the textbook chapter Nuclear Chemistry you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

Step 2 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Step 3 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Subscribe to view the
full solution

Title Chemistry 12 
Author Raymond Chang; Kenneth Goldsby
ISBN 9780078021510

Answer: The radioactive isotope 238Pu, used in pacemakers,

Chapter 19 textbook questions

×

Login

Organize all study tools for free

Or continue with
×

Register

Sign up for access to all content on our site!

Or continue with

Or login if you already have an account

×

Reset password

If you have an active account we’ll send you an e-mail for password recovery

Or login if you have your password back