The half-life period of a radioactive element X is the same as the mean-life time of another radioactive element Y. Initially they have the same number of atoms. Then
- (A)X will decay faster than Y
- (B)Y will decay faster than X✓ Correct
- (C)X and Y have the same decay rate initially
- (D)X and Y decay at the same rate always
Answer: (B)
Solution
The half-life of X equals the mean life of Y, so , which rearranges to . Thus Y has the larger decay constant. With the same initial number of atoms the initial activity is greater for Y, so Y decays faster at the outset.
JEE Main · 2007 · 29 Apr 2007 · Offline · Single correct option