The decay constant, denoted by $\lambda$, is a probability rate at which a particular radioactive isotope decays per unit time. It is a fundamental property of the radioactive substance.
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The decay constant $\lambda$ is related to the half-life $T_{1/2}$ by the formula $\lambda = \frac{\ln(2)}{T_{1/2}}$.
It has units of inverse time (e.g., s$^{-1}$, min$^{-1}$).
A larger decay constant indicates a faster decay rate of the radioactive material.
Activity, measured in becquerels (Bq), is given by $A = \lambda N$, where $N$ is the number of undecayed nuclei.
The decay constant is independent of external physical conditions such as temperature and pressure.
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Related terms
Half-Life: The time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to undergo radioactive decay.