An online course student is studying the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life of the substance is 3 years. If the initial mass is 160 grams, how much remains after 9 years?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:52:42 +0000

**Discover Hidden Truths: What Happens to 160 Grams After 9 Years of Decay?**
A growing number of curious learners are exploring radioactive decay through online courses—especially as real-world applications in medicine, energy, and science education deepen. When an online course student studies the decay of a radioactive substance with a 3-year half-life and begins with 160 grams, a key question emerges: how much remains after 9 years? This isn’t just academic—it’s a foundational concept shaping research, safety protocols, and public understanding. The math and science behind this decay reveal both predictability and importance in everyday life. **Why Radioactive Decay Matters in Today’s Conversations**
Across classrooms and digital learning platforms, topics related to radioactive decay are gaining traction. Advances in nuclear medicine, environmental monitoring, and science literacy have placed radioactive processes at the center of informed discussions. The 3-year half-life used here exemplifies how radioactive materials decrease predictably over time—a principle essential not only in physics but also in patient treatments and radioactive waste management. The number 160 grams in this scenario reflects a realistic starting mass for hands-on lab simulations or case studies in online courses, grounding theory in tangible practice. **How the Decay Process Unfold—Step by Step**
The half-life defines the time it takes for half the material to decay. With a 3-year half-life:
- After 3 years: 160g → 80g
- After 6 years: 80g → 40g
- After 9 years: 40g → 20g Using this model, after 9 years—exactly three half-lives—the original mass reduces to 20 grams. This straightforward decay curve helps students grasp exponential reduction, reinforcing core scientific reasoning in an engaging, visual way.