"Original activity" refers to the amount of radioactive material present at the beginning of a decay process. "Total counts" refer to the total number of radioactive particles emitted during the decay process.
"Original activity" can be calculated by dividing the "total counts" by the decay constant, which is a measure of how quickly the radioactive material decays.
The formula for calculating "original activity" is: Original Activity = Total Counts / Decay Constant
In short decay, "original activity" decreases over time as the radioactive material undergoes decay and emits particles. This is because the total number of particles emitted increases over time, while the decay constant remains constant.
Calculating "original activity" from "total counts" in short decay can be used in various fields, such as nuclear medicine, environmental science, and archaeology. It can help determine the age of artifacts or fossils, monitor environmental pollution, and assist in medical imaging and cancer treatments.