1. What Is Radioactive Decay?

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This process transforms the original nuclide into a different element or a different isotope of the same element.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the radioactive decay formula:

Where:

• \( Initial \) — Initial activity (Becquerels)
• \( t \) — Elapsed time (years)
• \( half\text{-}life \) — Half-life of the radioactive material (years)

Explanation: The formula calculates the remaining activity of a radioactive substance after a given period of time, based on its half-life.

3. Importance Of Radioactive Decay Calculation

Details: Calculating radioactive decay is essential in nuclear medicine, radiometric dating, radiation safety, and nuclear power applications. It helps determine the remaining radioactivity of materials over time.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter initial activity in Becquerels (Bq), time in years, and half-life in years. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is half-life?
A: Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to undergo decay.

Q2: What units should I use for activity?
A: The calculator uses Becquerels (Bq), but you can use any consistent units as the calculation is proportional.

Q3: Can I use different time units?
A: Yes, as long as both time and half-life use the same units (years, days, seconds, etc.).

Q4: What if the half-life is very short or very long?
A: The calculator works for any half-life value, but ensure your time units are appropriate for the scale.

Q5: Is this calculator accurate for all radioactive materials?
A: Yes, the exponential decay formula applies to all radioactive materials regardless of element or isotope.