Difference between revisions of "Decay Constant"
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===About Decay Constant=== | ===About Decay Constant=== | ||
| − | + | *The '''decay constant''' is denoted by the symbol '''𝜆'''. | |
| − | + | *The '''decay constant''' provides a [[measure]] of the rate at which a [[radioactive]] substance undergoes [[Decay (Physics)|decay]]. | |
| − | The '''decay constant''' is denoted by the symbol '''𝜆'''. | + | *Higher '''decay constant''' indicates a more rapid [[Decay (Physics)|decay]] process. |
| − | The | + | *The '''decay constant''' is used in the calculation of the [[activity]] of a [[radioactive]] sample. |
| − | Higher | ||
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===Formula=== | ===Formula=== | ||
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The '''decay constant''' is related to the [[Half Life|half-life]] of a [[radioactive]] substance by the formula: | The '''decay constant''' is related to the [[Half Life|half-life]] of a [[radioactive]] substance by the formula: | ||
| − | *<math>𝜆=\frac{ln(2)}{ | + | *<math>𝜆=\frac{ln(2)}{t_{1/2}}</math> |
Where: | Where: | ||
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t<sub>1/2</sub> is the [[Half Life|half-life]] of a given [[isotope]] | t<sub>1/2</sub> is the [[Half Life|half-life]] of a given [[isotope]] | ||
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===Examples=== | ===Examples=== | ||
Latest revision as of 14:47, 23 May 2024
Key Stage 5
Meaning
The decay constant is the probability of an individual nucleus decaying per second.
About Decay Constant
- The decay constant is denoted by the symbol 𝜆.
- The decay constant provides a measure of the rate at which a radioactive substance undergoes decay.
- Higher decay constant indicates a more rapid decay process.
- The decay constant is used in the calculation of the activity of a radioactive sample.
Formula
The decay constant is related to the half-life of a radioactive substance by the formula:
- \(𝜆=\frac{ln(2)}{t_{1/2}}\)
Where:
𝜆 is the decay constant
t1/2 is the half-life of a given isotope
Examples
- The decay constant of Carbon-14 is used in radiocarbon dating.
- Radon-222 has a higher decay constant than Uranium-238, indicating it decays more rapidly.