JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3as190
For a first-order radioactive decay with half-life t1/2 and mean life τ, which statements are correct?
AThe time required for 90% of the sample to decay is 3.32t1/2.
BAfter a time equal to τ, about 63.2% of the sample has decayed.
CThe time required for 99% decay is 6.64t1/2.
DAfter a time equal to τ, the activity is 50% of its initial value.
Answer: A, B, C
Time for fraction left f: t=t1/2log2(1/f). For f=0.10: log210=3.32 (A true). For f=0.01: log2100=6.64 (C true). At t=τ=1/λ, N/N0=e−1=0.368, so 63.2% has decayed (B true) and activity is 36.8%, not 50% (D false).