Plot a graph of time on the X-axis and Radioactivity (length of paper) on the Y-axis in the space below.
Exploration 2: Modeling half-life
Materials: Twizzlers, sheet of paper, or paper towel, and scissors
In this activity, you will model half-life and complete the table with data.
Measure the length of the material you will be cutting (time zero). The material you will be cutting represents a radioactive material with a half-life of 30 seconds.
To simulate half-life, start by measuring the initial length of the paper and then set a timer for 1 minute. Cut the paper in half when the timer rings and measure the new length. Enter the data in the table below.
Repeat the steps for three more half-lives.
| Time | Remaining length |
| 0 minute | |
| 1st minute | |
| 2nd minute | |
| 3rd minute | |
| 4th minute |
Plot a graph of time on the X-axis and Radioactivity (length of paper) on the Y-axis in the space below.
