2006-10-26 17:59:21 · 5 answers · asked by bowlerdudeca 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It really does depend on the nuclei and its abundance but a down and dirty estimate used by many nuclear scientist is ten halflives
2006-10-26 18:02:58 · answer #1 · answered by jwlh_228 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot depends on the level of background radiation. After 10 half-lives, the substance only gives off one thousandth as much radiation as it did, but in a very clean environment, that might stick out like a sore thumb.
2006-10-27 01:03:12 · answer #2 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A substance will never be decay for example 10 the half life is 5 then the half life would be 2.5 then 1.25 until it reaches 0.0000000000023...
2006-10-27 01:09:34 · answer #3 · answered by jayveelim1323 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the material. Carbon-14 can be used up to 11 half-lifes for dating organic materials. But that's mainly because the concentration of carbon-14 is so small to begin with.
2006-10-27 01:31:37 · answer #4 · answered by arbiter007 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think when it decays to 1% of initial radiation
2006-10-27 01:01:28 · answer #5 · answered by The Potter Boy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋