Unveiling The Decay Constant: A Step-By-Step Guide To Determining Exponential Decay Rates
To find the decay constant, utilize the integrated rate law for radioactive decay: ln(N/N0) = -kt, where N0 is the initial concentration, N is the final concentration at time t, and k is the decay constant. Plot ln(N/N0) against time to obtain a straight line with a slope of -k. The decay constant represents the…