- #1
FaraDazed
- 347
- 2
This isn't a direct question and answer problem, it relates to an essay I am doing.
I am a bit confused on the equations given by my tutor for radioactive decay, I suspect there is a mix up of symbols used where two symbols are used for the same think (such as N and R for the normal force).
On the powerpoint relating to it, she stated that the decay rate, R, is as below
[tex]
R=R_0e^{-λt}
[/tex]
However I also have the formula below
[tex]
A=A_0e^{-λt}
[/tex]
Are they the same thing, I understand that the second one is the activity, measured in Bq, but also the first one?
Also if I were to calculate the half-life of something, which formula would I use?
Thanks :)
I am a bit confused on the equations given by my tutor for radioactive decay, I suspect there is a mix up of symbols used where two symbols are used for the same think (such as N and R for the normal force).
On the powerpoint relating to it, she stated that the decay rate, R, is as below
[tex]
R=R_0e^{-λt}
[/tex]
However I also have the formula below
[tex]
A=A_0e^{-λt}
[/tex]
Are they the same thing, I understand that the second one is the activity, measured in Bq, but also the first one?
Also if I were to calculate the half-life of something, which formula would I use?
Thanks :)