1. What is Half-life?

Half-life (t_1/2) is the time required for a quantity to reduce to half its initial value. It's commonly used in nuclear physics, chemistry, and pharmacokinetics to describe exponential decay processes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the half-life equation:

Where:

• \( t_{1/2} \) — Half-life (time units)
• \( \lambda \) — Decay constant (1/time units)
• \( \ln(2) \) — Natural logarithm of 2 (~0.6931)

Explanation: The equation shows the inverse relationship between half-life and decay constant - substances with higher decay constants have shorter half-lives.

3. Importance of Half-life Calculation

Details: Half-life calculations are essential in radiometric dating, nuclear medicine, drug metabolism studies, and radioactive waste management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the decay constant (λ) in reciprocal time units (e.g., 1/sec, 1/hr). The result will be in the same time units as your decay constant.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between half-life and decay constant?
A: Half-life is the time for half decay, while decay constant (λ) is the probability of decay per unit time. They're inversely related.

Q2: Can I calculate decay constant from half-life?
A: Yes, by rearranging the equation: λ = ln(2)/t_1/2

Q3: What are typical half-life values?
A: They vary widely - from fractions of a second for some isotopes to billions of years for others like uranium-238.

Q4: How does half-life affect medication dosing?
A: Drugs with shorter half-lives require more frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels.

Q5: Is half-life constant for a given substance?
A: Yes, half-life is constant for a given radioactive isotope or chemical process under constant conditions.