Decay Constant
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. 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.