PhysicsA LevelNuclear Physics

Radioactive decay formula

The radioactive decay formula as it is used in A Level Physics, taken from the A Level Physics formula sheet.

The formula

N = N_0 e^{-\lambda t}

Write the formula down before substituting — most mark schemes award a method mark for a correct, clearly quoted formula.
Check every quantity is in consistent units before you substitute, then substitute in one step so the working stays easy to follow.
Show the rearrangement rather than jumping to the answer, and give the final value to the accuracy the question asks for.

\Delta E = \Delta m c^2

t_{1/2} = \dfrac{\ln 2}{\lambda}

A = \lambda N

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