Difference between revisions of "Decay Curve"
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| − | 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.