Enter the half-life into the calculator to determine the decay constant (decay-rate constant).
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Decay Constant Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the decay constant.
λ = \ln(2) / t_{1/2} - Where λ is the decay constant (units of 1/time, e.g., s^-1)
- Where t1/2 is the half-life (units of time, e.g., seconds)
To calculate the decay constant, divide the natural log of 2 by the half-life.
Decay Constant Definition
The decay constant (λ) is the proportionality constant in exponential decay. It relates the current amount N to its rate of change via −dN/dt = λN, and it has units of inverse time. It is related to half-life by t1/2 = ln(2)/λ.
Decay Constant Example
How to calculate decay constant?
- First, determine the half life.
The half-life is the total time it takes for the population or amount to diminish to 1/2 its original size.
- Next, calculate the decay constant.
Using the formula above, plug in the half life.
FAQ
A decay constant (λ) is the proportionality constant that relates the current amount of a decaying substance to its rate of decay: −dN/dt = λN. It has units of inverse time and is related to half-life by t₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ.
