(Q013) What is the term for the time it takes for 50% of an unstable (radioactive) isotope to decay to a stable isotope?

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The question asks: What is the term for the time it takes for 50% of an unstable (radioactive) isotope to decay to a stable isotope?

Option 1: half-life
This is the correct concept. The half-life is defined as the time required for half of a given amount of a radioactive isotope to decay, regardless of the initial amount, and it is a standard measure used in radiometric dating and decay processes.

Option 2: numerical age
Numerical age refers to a specific age estimate obtained from dating methods, not the characteristic time for decay itself. It describes how old something is, not the rate or duration of decay.

Option 3: atomic mass unit
An atomic mass unit (amu) is a unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular masses. It has no relation to decay time or the rate of radioactive decay.

Option 4: paleomagnetic date
A paleomagnetic date is a method of dating based on the record of the Earth's magnetic field preserved in rocks. It does not define the time it takes for decay of isotopes, but rather provides an age estimate through magnetic reversals and sediment patterns.

In summary, among the options provided, half-life is the standard term describing the 50% decay timespan for radioactive isotopes, while the other terms refer to age estimation, mass units, or magnetic dating methods rather than decay kinetics.

ANTH-101-03 CH 08 REVIEW QUIZ

(Q013) What is the term for the time it takes for 50% of an unstable (radioactive) isotope to decay to a stable isotope?

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