Decay Constant, λ
Decay Constant, λ :
For a radionuclide in a particular energy state, quotient of dP by dt, where dP is the probability of a given nucleus undergoing a spontaneous nuclear transition from that energy state in the time interval dt. λ = dP/dt = - (1/N) (dN/dt) = (A/N) where N is the number of nuclei of concern existing at time t and A is the activity. Unit: reciprocal second (s-1). The activity is the decay constant multiplied by the number of nuclei of the radionuclide present. The decay constant is related to the radioactive half-life, T½, of the radionuclide by the expression: λ = ln2/T½
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