Using the symbols $N$, $\Delta N$, $T$ and $\Delta T$, write an expression for the sample’s average activity over the interval $\Delta T$.
Using the symbols $N$, $\Delta N$, $T$ and $\Delta T$, write an expression for the probability that a nucleus decays in the time $\Delta T$.
Using the symbols $N$, $\Delta N$, $T$ and $\Delta T$, write an expression for the decay constant $\lambda$ of the isotope.
The isotope polonium-208 ($^{208}_{84}\text{Po}$) is radioactive and decays to produce lead-204 ($^{204}_{82}\text{Pb}$). The nuclear equation for this process is $^{208}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow ^{204}_{82}\text{Pb} + ^{4}_{2}\text{He}$. Determine, for the decay of one nucleus of polonium-208: 1. the change, in $\text{u}$, of the mass.
Determine, for the decay of one nucleus of polonium-208: 2. the total energy, in $\text{pJ}$, released.
The polonium-208 nucleus starts off at rest. The initial kinetic energy of the $^{4}_{2}\text{He}$ nucleus (α-particle) is measured to be smaller than the energy calculated in part (i) 2. Suggest two possible reasons for this difference.