The time taken for a radioactive sample to decay to 1/16th of its initial activity is: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The time taken for a radioactive sample to decay to 1/16th of its initial activity is:
A. 2 half-lives
B. 3 half-lives
C. 4 half-lives
D. 8 half-lives
Answer: Option C
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
After n half-lives, activity reduces to (1/2)ⁿ of initial. Set (1/2)ⁿ = 1/16 ⇒ (1/2)ⁿ = (1/2)⁴ ⇒ n = 4 half-lives. Thus time = 4 × half-life. Memory aid: '1/2ⁿ remaining after n half-lives; 1/16 = 1/2⁴ ⇒ 4 half-lives'. This radioactivity calculation is frequently tested in competitive exams. Always express fraction as power of 1/2 to find half-life count. This problem assesses understanding of exponential decay without heavy computation.

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