1. What is Nuclear Decay?

Nuclear decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. The decay follows an exponential law, with the half-life being the time required for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the nuclear decay equation:

Where:

• \( N \) — Remaining quantity (atoms)
• \( N_0 \) — Initial quantity (atoms)
• \( t \) — Elapsed time (seconds)
• \( t_{1/2} \) — Half-life (seconds)

Explanation: The equation shows how the quantity of radioactive material decreases exponentially over time, with the rate of decrease determined by the half-life.

3. Importance of Decay Calculation

Details: Accurate decay calculations are crucial for radiometric dating, nuclear medicine, radiation safety, and understanding radioactive waste management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial quantity in atoms, time in seconds, and half-life in seconds. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is half-life?
A: Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay. It's a characteristic property of each radioactive isotope.

Q2: Can this calculator be used for any radioactive isotope?
A: Yes, as long as you know the half-life of the isotope, this calculator can be used for any radioactive material.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: The calculator works with any consistent time units (seconds, minutes, years) as long as both time and half-life use the same units.

Q4: What if I want to calculate activity instead of quantity?
A: Activity (decays per second) is proportional to the number of radioactive atoms, so the same equation applies.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact for large numbers of atoms. For very small quantities, statistical variations become significant.