## **Core Concept**
The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time required for half of the initial amount of the substance to decay. Tritium, also known as hydrogen-3, is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. Its decay is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics and radiology.

## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Tritium decays through beta decay into helium-3. The half-life of tritium is specifically known to be approximately 12.32 years. This duration allows for various applications in scientific research, including dating of groundwater and studying ocean circulation, as well as in fusion research. The half-life is a constant for each radioactive isotope and is not affected by external conditions such as temperature or pressure.

## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option suggests a much shorter half-life than the known value for tritium, which does not align with established nuclear physics data.
- **Option B:** Similarly, this option presents a half-life that is significantly longer than what is scientifically verified for tritium.
- **Option D:** This option provides a half-life that, although close, does not match the precisely measured and widely accepted half-life of tritium.

## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that tritium's half-life of approximately 12.32 years makes it useful for certain types of research and applications but also poses specific safety and handling considerations due to its radioactivity.

## **Correct Answer:** C. 12.32 years.