Decay constant
Decay Constant
The Decay Constant (dey-k kon-stuhnt), also known as the disintegration constant or radioactive decay constant, is a parameter in nuclear physics and radiochemistry that quantifies the rate at which a radioactive isotope decays. It is denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ).
Etymology
The term "decay constant" is derived from the concept of radioactive decay, which refers to the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. The "constant" part of the term refers to the fact that the rate of decay is constant for a given isotope, regardless of the amount of the isotope present.
Definition
The decay constant is defined as the probability per unit time that a nucleus will decay. It is inversely proportional to the half-life of the isotope, with a larger decay constant indicating a shorter half-life. The decay constant is a fundamental characteristic of the isotope and does not depend on its amount or condition.
Related Terms
- Half-life: The time required for half of the atoms in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay.
- Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.
- Isotope: Variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number.
- Nuclear physics: The field of physics that studies atomic nuclei and their interactions.
- Radiochemistry: The chemistry of radioactive materials, where radioactive isotopes of elements are used to study the properties and chemical reactions of non-radioactive isotopes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Decay constant
- Wikipedia's article - Decay constant
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