Enter the half-life into the calculator to determine the decay constant, also known as the decay rate.
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 (s^-1)
- Where t1/2 is the half-life (seconds)
To calculate the decay constant, divide the natural log of 2 by the half-life.
Decay Constant Definitin
A decay constant is defined as the ratio between the half-life of a number and the total size of the number.
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
What is a decay constant?
A decay constant is the proportionality between the total size of a number and the rate of decay. This is most often used in physics when analyzing elements that undergo radioactive decay.
