Does Rotting Food Have a Direct Impact on Its Half Life?

In summary: However, for your question: our food is not significantly radioactive, so radioactive half life plays no role whatsoever in its decay as a food source.
  • #1
cesaruelas
53
0
Is the process of rotting food or any organic material directly related to the half life of its components?
 
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  • #2
cesaruelas said:
Is the process of rotting food or any organic material directly related to the half life of its components?
No. Rotting food occurs at a cellular level. Bacteria attack the organics and break them down.
 
  • #3
DaveC426913 said:
No. Rotting food occurs at a cellular level. Bacteria attack the organics and break them down.

Organic material in an ideally bacteria-free environment would never decompose? or only then would its decomposition be linked to the half life of its components? BTW, thank you for answering.
 
  • #4
cesaruelas said:
Organic material in an ideally bacteria-free environment would never decompose?
It would. Bacteria and fungus are a major source, but the organic material will decompose on its own as well. Cells leak. Fluids mix. Components lose integrity.

cesaruelas said:
or only then would its decomposition be linked to the half life of its components?
If you can find any evidence suggesting a link between normal food rotting and radioactive decay, I would be quite surprised.
 
  • #5
DaveC426913 said:
If you can find any evidence suggesting a link between normal food rotting and radioactive decay, I would be quite surprised.

The notion of half life is not limited to radioactive decay.
 
  • #6
Borek said:
The notion of half life is not limited to radioactive decay.

Then perhaps the OP should be explicit.
 
  • #7
My point is, can you, under certain conditions (bacteria free, certain temperature, etc.) predict when will organic matter be "unconsumable" for a human being given you only know the halflife of its components and the concentration of each in the material to analize?
 
  • #8
Do you mean radioactive half life or some other kind?
 
  • #9
I originally meant radioactive half life (since I was not aware the term was used to refer to any other type of half life). Is it linked to that half life or is there an equivalent concept for decomposition of organic molecules (proteins, carbohidrates, etc)? Thanks for your answers.
 
  • #10
The term can be used to describe any kind of exponential decay - for example, basketball team lifespan in a tournament.

However, for your question: our food is not significantly radioactive, so radioactive half life plays no role whatsoever in its decay as a food source.
 
  • #11
Not rotting in the exact sense, but may pertain to this thread as an example of degradation of food items without bacteria or fungi: Browning (food process).
 

1. What is the half life of rotting food?

The half life of rotting food can vary depending on the type of food and environmental conditions. Generally, the half life of most food is around 3-7 days.

2. How does rotting food affect our health?

Rotting food can be harmful to our health as it can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is important to properly store and dispose of food to avoid health issues.

3. How can we slow down the process of food rotting?

The process of food rotting can be slowed down by storing food in a cool and dry place, using airtight containers, and avoiding exposure to sunlight. Additionally, using preservatives or freezing food can also help slow down the process.

4. What happens to food as it rots?

As food rots, it undergoes a process called decomposition where microorganisms break down the food into simpler substances. This results in the production of gases and unpleasant odors.

5. Can we still eat food that has a long half life?

It is not recommended to eat food that has a long half life as it may have gone bad and could potentially make you sick. It is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as a foul odor or mold, before consuming any food.

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