Radioactive Decay and Half-Life

Theory

Each nucleus decays at random, but the ensemble follows $N(t)=N_0{e}^{-\lambda t}=N_0{2}^{-t/T_{1/2}}$. After each half-life, half remain.

What to observe

• The simulated curve (green) fluctuates around the theoretical one (orange) — even more with few nuclei.

Try this

• Use N₀ = 25 and watch the statistical fluctuations.

Also available in: Decaimento radioativo e meia-vida (Português) · Desintegración radiactiva y vida media (Español)