1. Mar 22, 2013

This isnt 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
$$R=R_0e^{-λt}$$

However I also have the formula below
$$A=A_0e^{-λt}$$

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 :)

2. Mar 22, 2013

### voko

They are the same thing. Radioactivity is a manifestation of decay, any decayed atom emits some particle that is registered as radioactivity. So one is proportional to another, and the coefficient depends on the units used to measure these two quantities.

3. Mar 22, 2013

### tia89

The activity is defined as the variation in time of the number of nuclei, and is also proportional to the number itself
$$A=-\frac{\mathrm{d}N}{\mathrm{d}t}=\lambda N$$
Solving this equation you have immediately
$$N(t)=N_0e^{-\lambda t}=N_0e^{-t/\tau}$$
where $\tau=1/\lambda$ is the mean lifetime (you find it tabulated).
Now clearly then
$$A(t)=\lambda N(t)$$

As for the $R$ I think it is more or less the same thing, eventually expressed as different units, but essentially has the same meaning.

Last of all, to compute the half-life, compute $t$ for which you have $N(t)=N/2$

4. Mar 22, 2013

Yeah I have seen that one as well with N, I know N stands for the number of Nuclei though is it the same as well then?

I need to derive it and end up with the one using A, would the below be ok? (i dont think it is)

$$A=\frac{dN}{dt}=-λt \\ ∫\frac{1}{N}dN=∫-λdt \\ e^{logN}=e^{-λt} \\ ∴A=A_0e^{-λt}$$

Any help is appreciated.

5. Mar 22, 2013

### tia89

First solve
$$\frac{\mathrm{d}N}{\mathrm{d}t}=-\lambda N$$
exactly as you did
$$\int_{N_0}^{N(t)}\frac{\mathrm{d}N}{N}=-\int_{0}^{t}\lambda \mathrm{d}t$$
$$\ln\left[ \frac{N(t)}{N_0} \right]=-\lambda t$$
$$N(t)=N_0 e^{-\lambda t}$$

Then after that you have by definition $A=\lambda N$ (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_decay#Radioactive_decay_rates) and therefore
$$A(t)=\lambda N_0 e^{-\lambda t}=A_0 e^{-\lambda t}$$
calling $A_0=\lambda N_0$ (by definition).

6. Mar 22, 2013

Many thanks, appreciate it.