Exponential decay law
What Exponential decay law means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Exponential decay law
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Exponential decay law in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The rate of decay is proportional to the number of undecayed nuclei, leading to N = N₀e^(−λt).
Topics that use Exponential decay law
- Radioactivity (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Absorber
- Alpha decay
- Beta-minus decay
- Beta-plus decay
- Carbon-14 and half-life
- Corrected count rate
- Decay constant
- Experimental measurement of half-life
Using Exponential decay law in the exam
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