The equation N = No e¯kt is used to calculate the number of radioactive atoms at a given time, where N is the current number of atoms, No is the initial number of atoms, k is the decay constant, and t is the time elapsed.
The decay constant, k, can be determined by measuring the half-life of the radioactive material. The half-life is the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay. The decay constant is then calculated using the formula k = ln(2)/t1/2, where t1/2 is the half-life.
No, the equation is applicable to all types of radioactive decay, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
No, the equation can only provide an estimate of the number of atoms present at a given time. The actual number may vary due to random nature of radioactive decay.
The equation can be used to determine the rate of decay, which is directly proportional to the strength of radiation. A higher rate of decay indicates a higher level of radiation.