Radiation Flashcards
1
Q
What is activity?
A
The number of unstable atoms that decay per second
2
Q
What is the equation for activity?
A
Activity = decay constant x number of atoms
3
Q
What is the decay constant?
A
The probability of a given nucleus decaying in a certain time. Symbol is λ
4
Q
What is radioactive decay?
A
Unstable atoms releasing energy and/or particles until they’re stable
5
Q
What is the rate of change of n?
A
dn/dt = -λN
6
Q
What is the half life of an isotope?
A
The average time it takes for the number of undecayed atoms (and therefore the activity) to halve
7
Q
What is the equation for half life?
A
Half life = ln2/λ
8
Q
What is the equation for the number of remaining atoms?
A
N = N0*e^-λt
