32.1 Exercise 9

(a) Neutron activation of sodium, which is 100%$^{\text{23}} \text{Na}$, produces $^{\text{24}} \text{Na}$, which is used in some heart scans, as seen in the table. The equation for the reaction is $^{\text{23}} \text{Na} + n \rightarrow ^{\text{24}} \text{Na} + \gamma$. Find its energy output, given the mass of $^{\text{24}} \text{Na}$ is 23.990962 u.

(b) What mass of $^{\text{24}} \text{Na}$ produces the needed 5.0-mCi activity, given its half-life is 15.0 h?