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Created page with "==Key Stage 5== ===Meaning=== A '''decay curve''' is an exponential decrease curve showing how the mass or activity of a radioactive isotop..."
==Key Stage 5==
===Meaning===
A '''decay curve''' is an [[Exponential Decay|exponential]] decrease curve showing how the [[mass]] or [[activity]] of a [[radioactive]] [[isotope]] decreases with [[time]].
===About Decay Curve===
Represents the rate of [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] of a [[radioactive]] substance.
Shows the characteristic exponential [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] pattern of [[radioactive]] materials.
Used to determine the half-life of a [[radioactive]] substance.
Helps in understanding the stability and longevity of isotopes.
===Formula===
The curve is described by the equation
<math>𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_0𝑒^{−𝜆𝑡}</math>
<math>𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_02^{−𝑡/𝑡_{1/2}}</math>
Where:
𝑁(𝑡) is the number of undecayed [[Atomic Nucleus|nuclei]] at [[time]] 𝑡
𝑁<sub>0</sub> is the initial number of [[Atomic Nucleus|nuclei]]
𝑡 is the [[time]] [[reading]] from the start of the experiment
𝜆 is the [[Decay Constant|decay constant]] for the [[isotope]].
===Examples===
The [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] curve of Uranium-238 showing its decrease over millions of years.
Monitoring the [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] curve of medical isotopes to ensure they remain effective for treatment.
===Meaning===
A '''decay curve''' is an [[Exponential Decay|exponential]] decrease curve showing how the [[mass]] or [[activity]] of a [[radioactive]] [[isotope]] decreases with [[time]].
===About Decay Curve===
Represents the rate of [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] of a [[radioactive]] substance.
Shows the characteristic exponential [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] pattern of [[radioactive]] materials.
Used to determine the half-life of a [[radioactive]] substance.
Helps in understanding the stability and longevity of isotopes.
===Formula===
The curve is described by the equation
<math>𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_0𝑒^{−𝜆𝑡}</math>
<math>𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_02^{−𝑡/𝑡_{1/2}}</math>
Where:
𝑁(𝑡) is the number of undecayed [[Atomic Nucleus|nuclei]] at [[time]] 𝑡
𝑁<sub>0</sub> is the initial number of [[Atomic Nucleus|nuclei]]
𝑡 is the [[time]] [[reading]] from the start of the experiment
𝜆 is the [[Decay Constant|decay constant]] for the [[isotope]].
===Examples===
The [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] curve of Uranium-238 showing its decrease over millions of years.
Monitoring the [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] curve of medical isotopes to ensure they remain effective for treatment.