Can I find experimental data for the decay of Iodine-131?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the search for experimental data on the radioactive decay of Iodine-131, particularly in relation to its application in mathematical modeling. The user seeks to plot decay data to derive a negative exponential function rather than relying solely on the known half-life. Participants suggest that while direct experimental data may be scarce, there are publications measuring the half-life and resources available online, such as the University of Missouri's decay tables, which provide computed values and references to further experimental studies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radioactive decay concepts, specifically Iodine-131.
  • Familiarity with mathematical modeling techniques, particularly negative exponential functions.
  • Knowledge of data visualization methods for plotting decay data.
  • Research skills to locate scientific publications and data sources.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research publications measuring the half-life of Iodine-131 for experimental data.
  • Explore the University of Missouri's decay tables for Iodine-131 and related isotopes.
  • Learn about mathematical modeling of radioactive decay functions.
  • Investigate other radioactive materials and their decay data using online databases.
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics or physics, researchers in nuclear science, and anyone involved in modeling radioactive decay processes, particularly in the context of environmental studies related to nuclear incidents.

cj9
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I'm currently undergoing an assignment in maths were it is is necessary to apply mathematical concepts to aspects in reality. Hence, I have chosen to model the radioactive decay of iodine 131, however I am required to plot the data of the radioactive decay of iodine 131, in order to find the equation rather than using the half-life. Is it possible to find experimental data for its decay.

I intend to find the equation of the function by graphing the data in order to get a negative exponential function.

If it helps my assignment is relevant to radioactive materials (iodine 131) leaked in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

Anything would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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What do you mean by "find the equation"?
cj9 said:
Is it possible to find experimental data for its decay.
I doubt anyone collected a large sample of I-131 and then watched it decaying for months. That would be quite pointless.

There are publications measuring the half-life, did you search those?
 
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mfb said:
What do you mean by "find the equation"?
I doubt anyone collected a large sample of I-131 and then watched it decaying for months. That would be quite pointless.

There are publications measuring the half-life, did you search those?

Thanks for your response.

I intend to find the equation of the function by graphing the data in order to get a negative exponential function. Do you recommend any publications?

If it helps my assignment is relevant to radioactive materials (iodine 131) leaked in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
Thanks
 
Last edited:
https://ehs.missouri.edu/rad/isotopedata/i-131decaytable.pdf

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
https://ehs.missouri.edu/rad/isotopedata/i-131decaytable.pdf

Zz.

Much appreciated

What is that website in case I need data for other radioactive material.
 
cj9 said:
Much appreciated

What is that website in case I need data for other radioactive material.

Er... I found it using Google!

Zz.
 
Here is a directory of similar data sheets from the same website.

https://ehs.missouri.edu/rad/isotopedata.html
 
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Those tables look like computed values, not measurements.
 
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mfb said:
Those tables look like computed values, not measurements.
Is it difficult to find measurements?
 
  • #10
Someone has measured the lifetime, and there was probably more than one measurement. Just look for references to those papers to find experimental data.
 

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