Question

A sample of radioactive material decays simultaneously by two processes a and b with half lives 1/2 and 1/4 hr respectively. For

Answer 1

Hey mate,
From given data I assume you want to know combined half life of both processes.

● Answer-
t = 1/6 hr

● Explaination-
# Given-
t1 = 1/2 hr
t2 = 1/4 hr

# Solution-
Combined half life is calculated by-
t = (t1 × t2) / (t1 + t2)
t = (1/2 × 1/4) / (1/2 + 1/4)
t = (1/8) / (3/4)
t = 1/6 hr.

Combined half life when both processes are acting simultaneously is 1/6 hr.

Hope this is helpful...