A radioactive sample has a half-life of 3 hours. After 9 hours, what fraction remains?

Study for the Praxis Physics Exam with interactive questions and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding of physics concepts. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

A radioactive sample has a half-life of 3 hours. After 9 hours, what fraction remains?

Explanation:
In radioactive decay, each half-life halves the amount remaining. Nine hours is three half-lives (9 ÷ 3 = 3), so the remaining fraction is (1/2)^3 = 1/8. Quick check: after 3 hours you’d have 1/2 left, after 6 hours 1/4, and after 9 hours 1/8.

In radioactive decay, each half-life halves the amount remaining. Nine hours is three half-lives (9 ÷ 3 = 3), so the remaining fraction is (1/2)^3 = 1/8. Quick check: after 3 hours you’d have 1/2 left, after 6 hours 1/4, and after 9 hours 1/8.

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