Decay Constant Calculator

Calculate Decay Constants for Radioactive Materials

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Decay Constant from Half-Life Calculator

Calculate decay constant (λ) from half-life

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Experimental Decay Constant Calculator

Calculate decay constant from experimental measurements

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Decay Constant from Activity Calculator

Calculate decay constant from activity measurements

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Understanding Decay Constants

What is the Decay Constant?

The decay constant (λ) is the probability per unit time that a radioactive nucleus will decay. It is unique for each radioisotope and is independent of the sample size.

Properties of Decay Constants

Key characteristics:

  • Constant for each isotope
  • Units are time⁻¹
  • Independent of sample size
  • Related to half-life: λ = ln(2)/t₁/₂

Relationship with Activity

The decay constant determines:

  • Activity (A = λN)
  • Rate of decay (-dN/dt = λN)
  • Mean lifetime (τ = 1/λ)
  • Half-life (t₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ)

Applications

Decay constants are used in:

  • Nuclear physics
  • Radiometric dating
  • Medical physics
  • Radiation protection

Measurement Methods

Decay constants can be determined by:

  • Half-life measurements
  • Activity measurements
  • Direct counting experiments
  • Mass spectrometry

Essential Decay Constant Formulas

Basic Decay Law

N = N₀e^(-λt)

Half-Life Relation

λ = ln(2)/t₁/₂

Activity Relation

A = λN