Fresh rainwater or surface water contains enough tritium \(\left({ }^{3} \mathrm{H}\right)\) to show \(5.5\) decay events per minute per \(100 . \mathrm{g}\) water. Tritium has a half-life of \(12.3\) years. You are asked to check a vintage wine that is claimed to have been produced in \(1946 .\) How many decay events per minute should you expect to observe in \(100 . \mathrm{g}\) of that wine?

Understanding the half-life of radioactive isotopes is crucial in various fields, from archaeology to medicine. Half-life is the time required for half the atoms in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay.

For instance, if we start with 100 unstable atoms with a half-life of one year, we'd expect to have 50 left after one year, 25 after two years, and so on. In our example with tritium \( ^3H \), which has a half-life of 12.3 years, it takes that amount of time for half of the tritium atoms in the sample to transform into another element through the process of radioactive decay.

When examining vintage wine for authentication, knowing the half-life allows us to calculate the decrease in radioactivity over time. This calculation is based on the assumption that the initial amount of tritium was known and that its decrease follows a predictable pattern described by the half-life.

Nuclear chemistry deals with the reactions and processes that occur within atomic nuclei. Radioactive decay, a spontaneous process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy, is a key concept in this field.

Tritium decay—where the tritium nucleus \( ^3H \) decomposes into a stable helium isotope \( ^3He \)—is a prime example of beta decay, one type of radioactive decay.

Why is tritium decay significant?

Its presence in organic matter like wine allows us to date its production. This is due to the predictability of nuclear processes, which can be described using mathematical models. Thus, nuclear chemistry not only elucidates how these decays occur but also provides tools to measure time and verify historical claims, as is the goal in testing the vintage wine.

Scientific problem-solving involves using a systematic approach to understand and resolve complex issues. Here's how we applied it:

Firstly, we identified our primary objective: to determine the number of decay events per minute in the vintage wine. Secondly, we gathered necessary data, such as the half-life of tritium and the initial decay events in contemporary water samples.

Then, using a mathematical formula that incorporates the concept of half-life, we calculated the expected decay events. To achieve a clearer and more reliable outcome, we meticulously implemented each step, ensuring careful consideration of each variable. This approach exemplifies how precision and methodical procedures are essential to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to intricate problems like determining the age of a vintage wine based on radioactive isotope decay.