Question #65c13

1 Answer

Yes, eventually the process of decay will go to zero. The mathematical model we apply to understanding does not go to zero.

Models are human constructions which allow us to make sense of our observations of the world around us. Nature does not need to behave in ways which would tie it to following tools we humans created to help us better understand nature.

Think about the conversion of C-14 to N-14 which is a beta decay process which has a half life of about 5,700 years.

If you start with 100 C-14 atoms, after 5,700 years (one half life) you should only have about 50 C-14 atoms remaining. Eventually you will reach the point of having 1 C-14 atom remaining. That C-14 atom is unstable because of the imbalanced proton-neutron ratio (for light elements a 1:1 ratio of protons:neutrons produces a stable nucleus). The unstable C-14 will eventually emit a beta particle and become a Nitrogen-14 by having one of its neutrons convert to a proton.