hajoamisvakio

Hajoamisvakio, often denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ), is a fundamental constant in physics that quantifies the rate at which a radioactive substance decays. It represents the probability per unit time that a single atomic nucleus will undergo radioactive decay. The unit of the decay constant is typically inverse seconds (s⁻¹).

The decay constant is inversely proportional to the half-life (t½) of a radioactive isotope. The half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. The relationship between the decay constant and half-life is given by the equation t½ = ln(2) / λ, where ln(2) is the natural logarithm of 2, approximately 0.693. A larger decay constant implies a shorter half-life, meaning the substance decays more rapidly. Conversely, a smaller decay constant indicates a longer half-life and a slower decay rate.

Radioactive decay is a random process at the individual atom level, meaning it's impossible to predict exactly when a specific nucleus will decay. However, for a large collection of atoms, the decay process follows predictable statistical laws, and the decay constant provides the parameter that governs this predictability. Different isotopes have different decay constants, reflecting their inherent nuclear stability. For instance, isotopes with unstable nuclei, such as those with an imbalance of protons and neutrons, tend to have larger decay constants than more stable isotopes. The decay constant is an intrinsic property of each specific radionuclide and is independent of external factors like temperature or pressure.