Decay Constant from ln N(t)

N(t)=N₀e^(−λt), lnN = lnN₀ − λt, T½ = ln2/λ.

School· 24 min·Related simulator: Radioactive Decay & Chain

Goal

Find T₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ from the fit.

Equipment

  • Counter

Theory

Exponential decay: slope of lnN vs t is −λ.

Procedure

  1. t, N; ln N derived.

Experiment

Conclusion

T½ matches the sample half-life used in the sim.