What is radioactive decay constant?

Definition. The decay constant (symbol: λ and units: s−1 or a−1) of a radioactive nuclide is its probability of decay per unit time. The number of parent nuclides P therefore decreases with time t as dP/P dt = −λ.

What is radioactive decay in biology?

Definition of radioactive decay a radioactive process in which a nucleus undergoes spontaneous transformation into one or more different nuclei and simultaneously emits radiation, loses electrons, or undergoes fission.

What is the decay constant called?

The radioactive decay law states that the probability per unit time that a nucleus will decay is a constant, independent of time. This constant is called the decay constant and is denoted by λ, “lambda”.

What is the best definition of radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay (also known as nuclear decay, radioactivity, radioactive disintegration, or nuclear disintegration) is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. A material containing unstable nuclei is considered radioactive.

What is the SI unit of decay constant?

Probability of a given nucleus in a particular energy state undergoing a spontaneous nuclear transition from that energy state in a unit time interval. The SI unit of decay constant is s-1.

What is radioactive decay class 12?

Law of radioactive decay: Law of radioactive decay states that the number of nuclei undergoing decay per unit time is ∝to total number of nuclei in the sample.

What is the relationship between decay constant and mean life of a radioactive nucleus?

(i) Mean life The reciprocal of the decay constant is called the mean life `(t_(av))` .

What is half-life and decay constant?

The symbol l = 1/t is known as the decay constant. A half-life is the time it takes for half of the nuclei to disappear. At that point N(t) is one half of N0: Taking the logarithm of both sides of the above equation, gives the half life t1/2 in terms of the exponential time t.

What is a simple definition of radioactivity?

As its name implies, radioactivity is the act of emitting radiation spontaneously. This is done by an atomic nucleus that, for some reason, is unstable; it “wants” to give up some energy in order to shift to a more stable configuration.

What does the decay constant depend on?

The decay constant depends only on the particular radioactive nuclide and decay mechanism involved. It does not depend on the number of nuclei present or on any external conditions (such as temperature).