How the radioactive decay depends on total mass of the element?

[sanjibghosh]

how the decay depends on total mass of the radioactive element?
is it necessary that all the atoms of the element keep contact among them, for the above case?

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi sanjibghosh!

If there's no chain reaction, then the atoms decay independently, and so it doesn't matter where the individual atoms are

 

[sanjibghosh]

ok ,when the atoms decay independently then they follow simple probability rule (?).

 

[tiny-tim]

ok ,when the atoms decay independently then they follow simple probability rule (?).

yes

 

[sanjibghosh]

thank you 'tiny-tim'

 

[Bob S]

In the case of beryllium 7 (proton rich nucleus), which decays by the capture of an atomic electron from the K-shell (53 day half life), the lifetime can be changed slightly by putting it in different environments. or by putting it in a crystal lattice.