Graphing nuclear stuff for lab

[Ritzycat]

Homework Statement

Create a secondary graph that allows you to graphically determine the decay constant, k, for the observed nucklear decay of ¹³⁷Ba*.

Homework Equations

0.693/k = half life
Something with an LN in it

The Attempt at a Solution

I have no idea what it means by "secondary graph". I have absolutely no guidance on what the "secondary graph" is. My first graph was radiation counts vs time, but now it wants this elusive "secondary graph" that will supposedly help me to "graphically determine the decay constant".

I made a linearized graph, if that means anything, by taking LN of the Y axis (radiation counts). I don't see how this helps me though.

Note that in this lab, ¹³⁷Ba* is decaying to ¹³⁷Ba through photon emission (gamma radiation)

 

[mfb]

I made a linearized graph, if that means anything, by taking LN of the Y axis (radiation counts).

I guess this is meant by "secondary graph" (where the "primary graph" was the linear scale).

I don't see how this helps me though.

You have an equation there for your fit. Attach units to it and after some algebra you get your lifetime out of it.