How can half-life be calculated?

1 Answer
Bio
Nov 1, 2015

If the decay is exponential, i.e. x=x_{0}e^{-kt}, then the half-life is given by ln(2)/k.

Explanation:

Let tau be the half-life. tau is the time taken for x_0 to reach x_0/2

x_0/2=x_{0}e^{-ktau}

1/2=e^{-ktau}

2=e^{ktau}

ln(2)=ktau

tau=ln(2)/k

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