Radioactive Decay Calculator

Calculate Radioactive Decay Parameters

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Remaining Amount Calculator

Calculate the amount of radioactive material remaining after a given time

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Activity Calculator

Calculate the activity of a radioactive sample

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Time Calculator

Calculate time needed for decay to a specific amount

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Understanding Radioactive Decay

What is Radioactive Decay?

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays.

Types of Decay

Common types of radioactive decay:

  • Alpha decay (α)
  • Beta decay (β⁻, β⁺)
  • Gamma decay (γ)
  • Electron capture
  • Positron emission

Decay Law

The exponential decay law states:

N(t) = N₀e^(-λt)

where λ is the decay constant

Activity

Activity measures the rate of decay:

  • A = λN
  • Units: Becquerel (Bq) or Curie (Ci)
  • 1 Ci = 3.7 × 10¹⁰ Bq

Applications

Radioactive decay is used in:

  • Carbon dating
  • Nuclear medicine
  • Power generation
  • Scientific research

Essential Radioactive Decay Formulas

Decay Law

N(t) = N₀e^(-λt)

Activity

A = λN

Half-Life Relation

t₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ