Mendeleev · Science
Radioactive decay law
A radioactive population decays exponentially: N(t) = N₀e⁻ˡᵃᵐᵇᵈᵃt. Half-life and decay constant describe the same law in two related forms.
Core idea
A radioactive population decays exponentially: N(t) = N₀e⁻ˡᵃᵐᵇᵈᵃt. Half-life and decay constant describe the same law in two related forms.
Example
The relation t₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ connects decay constant and half-life without assuming a linear decrease.
Common trap
A formula or trend is useful only when its definition and conditions of use are clear.
Check yourself
Explain the phenomenon in your own words, then identify which quantity or mechanism you would use to quantify it.
The relation t₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ connects decay constant and half-life without assuming a linear decrease.