Physics A-Level
Decay constant
What Decay constant means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definitions of Decay constant
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Decay constant in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A quantity, sometimes written m, related to half-life by the equation λ t₁/₂ = ln 2, allowing conversion between the two.
The probability of decay per nucleus per unit time, with unit s⁻¹.
Topics that use Decay constant
- Radioactivity (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Absorber
- Alpha decay
- Beta-minus decay
- Beta-plus decay
- Carbon-14 and half-life
- Corrected count rate
- Experimental measurement of half-life
- Exponential decay
Using Decay constant in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physics A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge