Measuring the Half-Life of a Sample Using a Graph Flashcards
1
Q
How can this only be done?
A
By taking several readings of a sources activity, usually using a Geiger-Müller detector
2
Q
What can then be done with the results?
A
They can be plotted on a graph, which will always be shaped like a banana (top left to bottom right - check page 69)
3
Q
How is the half life found from the graph?
A
By finding the time interval on the bottom axis corresponding to a halving of the activity on the vertical axis
4
Q
What do you need to make sure you’ve subtracted from your readings?
A
The background count before you plot the graph - if you don’t it will be an incorrect measurement for half-life
