Radioactive Decay chain and Masses of Products

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the remaining mass of individual nuclides in a radioactive decay chain after a specified time period, starting from a given isotope mass. The participants emphasize the importance of the half-life of nuclides, particularly noting that the nuclide with the longest half-life influences the formation rate of the final product. The Bateman equations are identified as the essential tool for performing these calculations, providing a structured approach to understanding the decay process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radioactive decay chains
  • Familiarity with half-life concepts
  • Knowledge of Bateman equations for decay calculations
  • Basic proficiency in C++ programming for computational modeling
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Bateman equations in radioactive decay analysis
  • Explore advanced C++ programming techniques for simulating decay chains
  • Research the impact of half-lives on decay product distributions
  • Learn about different isotopes and their decay properties
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in nuclear physics, chemists working with isotopes, and programmers developing simulations for radioactive decay processes.

lapo3399
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Hello,

Based on a starting isotope, isotope mass, and duration of time, what calculations would be used to find the mass remaining of each individual nuclide in the decay chain after the time period? I think that the rate at which the final product is formed depends most on the nuclide with the highest half-life, as chemical systems in chemistry are reliant on the rate determining step. However, what I find difficult to visualise is how much of the other nuclides would be left. I presume that, depending on the time interval, all the low-half-life nuclides before the first long-half-life nuclide would pretty much be gone, with certain quantities of other nuclides after the long-life nuclide being present. Can someone please elaborate on the calculations necessary?

Thanks!
 
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have you tried Bateman equations?
 
Thanks, I researched them and they are exactly what I need.
 
lapo3399 said:
Thanks, I researched them and they are exactly what I need.

great, good luck with your task! =)
 

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