Isotope halflife table by progamming

In summary, the author is suggesting that genetic programming might be a good way to find half-life times for isotopes that are unknown. They mention that there are theories linking half-life and the number of protons and neutrons, but that the data is from experiment. They also mention that there may be some formulas that include decay, but that for stable isotopes you can use a number close to 9.99e99 seconds. Finally, they mention that for isotopes that are unknown, you can use a formula that includes decay, or just use a very large number for halftimeinsec.
  • #1
bluatigro
4
0
i wan to do the folowimg :
[ 1 ] use the computer to find halftimes of isotoops that are jet unkown
[ 2 ] i want to use genetic programming
[ 3 ] i use the idea that there is a function = halftime( protons , neutrons )

i have questions :
- is [ 1 ][ 2 ] a good idea
- i don't know if this [ 3 ] is right
- i need a halftime of isotoops tabel in sec . where can i find this

remark :
- [ 2 ] is being written [ by me ] in :
- - liberty & just basic [ ready but no IO jet ]
- - free basic [ no proof of concept jet ]
- - C++ [ no proof of concept jet ]
- - python 2.7 [ proof of concept ]
 
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  • #2
I'm no nuclear physicist, but I would be extremely surprised if there was a simple function linking the number of nucleons with the lifetime of an isotope.

As for using a genetic algorithm, what would be your search space?
 
  • #3
Is there any theory linking half-life with number of protons and neutrons? Or is it all just derived from experiment?
 
  • #4
There are theories, but the actual data is from experiment.
 
  • #5
@ drclaude :
i think it is not a simple function :
- halftime( protons , neutrons )
to
but GP can find complex ones to

GP wil never find a exact one
but a nice near one can be useful

i wil use every operator i can think of

where can i find a tabel in sec. for this ?

remark :
- c++ code : stil a error
- liberty & just basic code : complete only file IO missing
- python code : complete only file IO missing
- freebasic code : lots of errors
 
  • #7
i have now a random acces file whit the known halftimes

somtimes the file remarks ´stable´ in the halftime field
the halftimeinsec field is then ´0.00e00´

what must i take as halftimeinsec if halftime = ´stable´

the array halftime( protons , neutrons ) is not complete

what do i use as halftime(p,n) if halftimeinsec is unkown
i can't use 0 becoause i want to do
erroronthispoint = abs( output ~ halftime(p,n) ) div halftime(p,n)
i want the relative error
 
  • #8
Just use a very large number for halftimeinsec. Any (correct) formula that includes decay will just ignore the decay for a stable isotope in its result. That's what you want, isn't it?
 
  • #9
so for 'stable' i can use '9.99e99' sec

but what do i use for the missing ones ?

i can't use 0
 
  • #10
You have to do more searching or assume they are stable. Otoh, there are plenty ways of labelling data so that your program can pick it up and notify the user. If you don't have the information then you can't use it.
 

1. What is an isotope half-life table?

An isotope half-life table is a table that lists the half-lives of different isotopes, which are variations of a chemical element with different numbers of neutrons. The half-life of an isotope is the time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to decay.

2. Why is it important to have a program to calculate isotope half-lives?

Having a program to calculate isotope half-lives allows for more accurate and efficient calculations. It also eliminates the potential for human error in calculations and allows for the handling of a large amount of data.

3. How is an isotope's half-life determined?

An isotope's half-life is determined through experiments in which the decay of the isotope is measured over time. The data is then analyzed and the half-life can be calculated.

4. Can a program accurately predict the decay of isotopes?

Yes, a program can accurately predict the decay of isotopes based on their half-lives. However, there are some factors that can affect the accuracy, such as environmental conditions and external influences.

5. What is the benefit of using a programming language to create an isotope half-life table?

Using a programming language allows for more flexibility and customization in creating an isotope half-life table. It also allows for the table to be easily updated and modified as new data becomes available.

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