1. What is Radioactive Decay?

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. The half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the radioactive decay equation:

Where:

• \( N \) — Remaining quantity
• \( N_0 \) — Initial quantity
• \( t \) — Elapsed time
• \( t_{half} \) — Half-life of the substance

Explanation: The equation shows how the quantity decreases exponentially over time based on the substance's half-life.

3. Importance of Half Life Calculation

Details: Calculating remaining radioactive material is crucial for radiation safety, radiometric dating, medical treatments, and nuclear energy applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial amount, elapsed time, and half-life. All values must be positive numbers. Time and half-life must be in the same units.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is half-life?
A: The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay into other elements.

Q2: Can this calculator be used for carbon dating?
A: Yes, carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5,730 years. Enter this as the half-life value.

Q3: Does temperature affect half-life?
A: No, half-life is a fundamental property of the isotope and is unaffected by external conditions.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, assuming accurate input values and no other decay processes.

Q5: What happens after multiple half-lives?
A: After each half-life, half of the remaining material decays. After 10 half-lives, about 0.1% of the original remains.