Measuring Decay Rate with Geiger Counter: Calculating Error and Seeking Input

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the error associated with measuring the decay rate of a radioactive sample using a Geiger counter. The user registered 100 decays over a 10-second interval and applied the formula for error, resulting in an error of approximately 0.316. The correct approach for standard deviation for the count rate is to use the formula sqrt(n)/t, where n is the count and t is the measurement time. This clarification highlights the importance of distinguishing between standard deviation for count and count rate in radioactive decay measurements.

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I was hoping that somebody would check my work. Any input is appreciated.
A decay rate of a radioactive sample is being measured using a Geiger counter. During a 10 second measurement 100 decays are registered.
what is the error associated with the result?
[tex]\sigma_{y} = \frac{\sigma}{\sqrt{N}}[/tex]
My work:
[tex]\sigma^2 = np = (100)(1/10) = 10[/tex]
so [tex]\sigma = \sqrt{10}[/tex]
putting this into the previous equation where I make N=100 I get an error around 0.316. Did I do that right?
 
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If you are loking for the standard deviation for the count rate, then your correct equation should be sqrt(n)/t where n is your count and t is the count time. If you are looking for the standard deviation for the count, then it's just sqrt (n).
 

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