Half Life Flashcards
1
Q
describe radioactive decay
A
radioactive decay is a random process, and it is impossible to reliably predict when and which atom in an isotope will decay
2
Q
how do you measure the activity of a radioactive material?
A
-a Geiger counter measures the radiation emitted from a source each second
-this is called activity or count rate of the source and is measured in becquerels (Bq)
-however a radioactive source does not emit radiation in a regular pattern
3
Q
what is a half life?
A
the time taken for half an isotope t decay and become half as active
4
Q
how do you calculate the number of nuclei left?
A
number of nuclei left= 1/2^n
n= number of half lives
