1. What is Decay Correction?

Decay correction is a mathematical adjustment applied to radioactive measurements to account for the natural decay of radioactive isotopes over time. It calculates the original activity at a specific reference time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the decay correction formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Measured} \) — Current measured activity (Bq)
• \( \lambda \) — Decay constant (s⁻¹)
• \( t \) — Elapsed time (s)
• \( e \) — Base of natural logarithm (~2.71828)

Explanation: The formula reverses the exponential decay process to determine the original activity at time zero.

3. Importance of Decay Correction

Details: Accurate decay correction is essential in nuclear medicine, radiochemistry, and radiation safety to compare measurements taken at different times and determine true activity levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured activity in becquerels (Bq), decay constant in per second (s⁻¹), and time in seconds. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between decay constant and half-life?
A: The decay constant (λ) and half-life (T½) are related by: λ = ln(2)/T½, where ln(2) ≈ 0.693.

Q2: Can this formula be used for any radioactive isotope?
A: Yes, the exponential decay formula applies to all radioactive isotopes, though the decay constant (λ) is specific to each isotope.

Q3: What are typical units for radioactive measurements?
A: Common units include becquerels (Bq), curies (Ci), or counts per minute (CPM), but units must be consistent throughout calculations.

Q4: How does decay correction affect radiation dose calculations?
A: Proper decay correction ensures accurate determination of initial activity, which is crucial for calculating radiation exposure and dose rates.

Q5: Are there limitations to this correction method?
A: This method assumes pure exponential decay and may not account for complex decay chains or mixed radionuclide samples.