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Uncertainty in radioactive half-life experiment |
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| Apr5-12, 09:50 AM | #1 |
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Uncertainty in radioactive half-life experiment
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I have conducted an experiment and found the gradient λ of a graph to be (2.15x10^-4) +- (0.15x10^-4) The graph being ln(A) i.e. the number of disintegrations/unit time - dN/dt against time t The half-life is T(1/2) = ln(2)/λ = -3223.9 How do I find the uncertainty in the half-life? Thank you! 2. Relevant equations 3. The attempt at a solution |
| Apr5-12, 11:11 AM | #2 |
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I now realise that the % uncertainty in λ is 0.15/2.15 = 0.069
Therefore multiply T(1/2) of -3223.9 by 0.069 which equals ±224.9, which is the uncertainty. 3223.9 ± 224.9 How do I correct this to take account of significant figures? |
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