Calculate the specific activity of a radionuclide in Bq/g or Ci/g from its half-life and molar mass, or pick a common isotope, and find activity from mass.
Specific Activity Formula
The following formula calculates specific activity for a pure single radionuclide. The coefficient is rounded and uses a 365.25-day year.
- Where a is the specific activity (Bq/g)
- T1/2 is the half-life (years)
- M is the molar mass (g/mol)
Specific Activity Definition
Specific activity is a measure of activity per quantity of a radionuclide. Activity is a measure of the number of radioactive transformations per second that occur.
Specific Activity Example
How to calculate specific activity?
- First, determine the half-life.
Calculate the half-life of the nuclide. You can use the calculator linked above for more help on this.
- Next, determine the molar mass.
Calculate or measure the molar mass in grams per mole.
- Finally, calculate the specific activity.
Calculate the specific activity using the formula above.
FAQ
A radionuclide is the nucleus of a radioactive material.
