Calculate Half-Life Decay
Decay Visualization
Scientific Principle
Half-life follows first-order kinetics, meaning decay rate is proportional to the quantity present.
Variable Periods
Half-lives range from fractions of a second to billions of years depending on the isotope.
Exponential Decay
Radioactive substances never fully decay, approaching zero asymptotically over time.
Understanding Half-Life and Radioactive Decay
Half-life is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics and chemistry, referring to the time required for half of the atoms in a radioactive substance to undergo decay. This natural process follows an exponential pattern that can be precisely calculated using our advanced half-life calculator.
The Half-Life Formula
The mathematical formula used to calculate the remaining quantity of a radioactive substance is:
Where:
- N(t) is the remaining quantity after time t
- N₀ is the initial quantity
- t is the time elapsed
- t₁/₂ is the half-life of the substance
Applications of Half-Life Calculations
Half-life calculations have numerous practical applications across various fields:
- Carbon Dating: Archaeologists use the half-life of carbon-14 (approximately 5,730 years) to determine the age of organic artifacts.
- Medical Imaging: Radioactive isotopes with short half-lives are used in procedures like PET scans, allowing for effective imaging while minimizing patient exposure.
- Nuclear Waste Management: Calculating the decay of radioactive waste helps determine safe storage durations, which can be thousands of years for certain isotopes.
- Geological Studies: Isotopes with very long half-lives, like uranium-238 (4.47 billion years), help scientists determine the age of rocks and the Earth itself.
Notable Radioactive Isotopes and Their Half-Lives
| Isotope | Half-Life | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon-14 | 5,730 years | Radiocarbon dating |
| Uranium-238 | 4.47 billion years | Geological dating |
| Cobalt-60 | 5.27 years | Medical radiotherapy |
| Technetium-99m | 6 hours | Medical imaging |
Why Use Our Half-Life Calculator?
Our half-life calculator provides accurate results for any radioactive decay scenario. Whether you're a student learning about nuclear physics, a researcher conducting experiments, or simply curious about radioactive decay processes, our tool offers:
- Instant calculations with multiple unit options
- Interactive visualizations of decay patterns
- Precise results for academic and professional use
- Easy conversion between different time units
Understanding half-life is crucial for grasping concepts in nuclear science, archaeology, medicine, and environmental studies. By using our calculator, you can explore how different substances decay over time and gain insights into the fundamental forces governing atomic stability.