Episode 513: Preparation for the Exponential Decay Topic

From the Institute of Physics, these activities are not concerned with the products of radioactive decay but look at the random, spontaneous nature of radioactive decay and its consequences. The topic contains a series of learning episodes, each of which is a unit that lasts typically one or two lessons.

The learning episodes in this topic include:

Episode 514: Patterns of decay

Episode 515: The radioactive decay formula

Episode 516: Exponential and logarithmic equations

Upon completion of the topic, students should be able to:

1. define the term half-life

2. make calculations involving numbers of half-lives

3. relate half-life to decay probability

4. measure the half-life of a fast-decaying nuclide

5. use exponential and logarithmic equations for radioactive decay.