Ian accidentally spills a beaker of an unknown solution. It splashes onto the strip he used to test Solution 1, and the strip turns from red to blue. Based on this observation, which conclusion could Ian make about the solution that he spilled? a: The solution spilled on the strip must be neutral.

b: The solution spilled on the strip must have a basic pH.

c: The solution spilled on the strip must have a pH lower than 5.

d: The solution spilled on the strip must have the same pH as solution 1.

The answer is 0.62g.
Solution:
From year 1960 to year 2030, it has been 
     2030-1960 = 70 years

The half-life of the radioactive element is 28 years, then the sample will go through
     70 years * (1 half-life/28 years) = 2.5 half-lives

Starting with a 3.5 gram sample, we will have
     3.5*(1/2) after one half-life passes
     3.5*(1/2) * (1/2) = 3.5*(1/4) after two half-lives pass
     3.5*(1/4) * (1/2) = 3.5*(1/8) after three half-lives pass and so on

Therefore, we can write the remaining amount of the sample after the number n of half-lives have passed as
     mass of sample = initial mass of sample/2^n

The mass of the remaining sample for n = 2.5half-lives can be now calculated as
     mass of sample = 3.5 grams / 2^2.5 = 0.62 g