How to solve half life questions?

Answer:
In order to solve half-life questions, consider the equation ...

AT = A0 2(-T/H)

... where A0 is the initial radioisotope's activity, AT is the decayed activity after time T, and H is the half-life. Given 3 of these parameters, you can solve for the fourth. For instance, given starting activity, ending activity, and time, you can solve for half-life as follows ...

AT = A0 2(-T/H)
AT/A0 = 2(-T/H)
ln2(AT/A0) = -T/H
H = -T/ln2(AT/A0)

... and don't forget that ln2(x) = log(x)/log(2)
First answer by Alex146. Last edit by Alex146. Contributor trust: 419 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].