Science

Math

Humanities

... and beyond

Socratic Meta
Featured Answers

Topics

How can half-life be calculated?

1 Answer

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#

Related questions

See all questions in Absolute Ages of Rocks

Impact of this question

2695 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License