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
Represents the rate of decay of a radioactive substance. Shows the characteristic exponential 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
\(π(π‘)=π_0π^{βππ‘}\)
\(π(π‘)=π_02^{βπ‘/π‘_{1/2}}\)
Where:
π(π‘) is the number of undecayed nuclei at time (π‘)
π0 is the initial number of nuclei
π‘ is the time reading from the start of the experiment
π is the decay constant for the 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.