Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

Radioactive tracers are used to study ion transport across cell membranes. The b

ID: 2186090 • Letter: R

Question

Radioactive tracers are used to study ion transport across cell membranes. The beta-minus emitting isotope 42K (t1/2 = 12.4 h) has been particularly important for measuring the movement of potassium ions. A saline solution that contains the isotope bathes cells in a test tube, and the amount of 42K that has accumulated inside the cells is measured after a short time. A sample of liquid extracted from the cells must have an activity of at least 50 Bq for an accurate measurement to be made. The activity of a sample just after extraction is 500,000 Bq. If a scientist wishes to confirm the result by measuring the sample a week later, how much activity will remain?
= Bq

Can an accurate measurement be made from the sample that is extracted a week after the initial extraction? (One Submission)
No
Yes

Explanation / Answer

Yes it can be.