Difference between revisions of "Decay Curve"
(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...") |
(→Examples) |
||
| (3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
===About Decay Curve=== | ===About Decay Curve=== | ||
| − | + | *The '''decay curve''' represents the rate of [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] of a [[radioactive]] substance. | |
| − | + | *The '''decay curve''' shows the characteristic [[Exponential Decay|exponential decay]] pattern of [[radioactive]] materials. | |
| − | + | *The '''decay curve''' is used to determine the [[Half Life|half-life]] of a [[radioactive]] substance. | |
| − | + | *The '''decay curve''' helps in understanding the stability and longevity of [[isotope]]s. | |
===Formula=== | ===Formula=== | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
<math>𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_02^{−𝑡/𝑡_{1/2}}</math> | <math>𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_02^{−𝑡/𝑡_{1/2}}</math> | ||
| − | |||
Where: | Where: | ||
| − | 𝑁(𝑡) is the number of undecayed [[Atomic Nucleus|nuclei]] at [[time]] 𝑡 | + | 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]] | 𝑁<sub>0</sub> is the initial number of [[Atomic Nucleus|nuclei]] | ||
| Line 27: | Line 26: | ||
𝜆 is the [[Decay Constant|decay constant]] for the [[isotope]]. | 𝜆 is the [[Decay Constant|decay constant]] for the [[isotope]]. | ||
| − | + | t<sub>1/2</sub> is the [[Half Life|half-life]] of a given [[isotope]] | |
===Examples=== | ===Examples=== | ||
| − | The [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] curve of Uranium-238 showing its decrease over millions of years. | + | *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. | + | *Monitoring the [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] curve of medical isotopes to ensure they remain effective for treatment. |
Latest revision as of 14:58, 23 May 2024
Key Stage 5
Meaning
A decay curve is an exponential decrease curve showing how the mass or activity of a radioactive isotope decreases with time.
About Decay Curve
- The decay curve represents the rate of decay of a radioactive substance.
- The decay curve shows the characteristic exponential decay pattern of radioactive materials.
- The decay curve is used to determine the half-life of a radioactive substance.
- The decay curve helps in understanding the stability and longevity of isotopes.
Formula
The curve is described by the equation
\(𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_0𝑒^{−𝜆𝑡}\)
\(𝑁(𝑡)=𝑁_02^{−𝑡/𝑡_{1/2}}\)
Where:
𝑁(𝑡) is the number of undecayed nuclei at time (𝑡)
𝑁0 is the initial number of nuclei
𝑡 is the time reading from the start of the experiment
𝜆 is the decay constant for the isotope.
t1/2 is the half-life of a given isotope
Examples
- The decay curve of Uranium-238 showing its decrease over millions of years.
- Monitoring the decay curve of medical isotopes to ensure they remain effective for treatment.