Decay constant

The decay constant is a measure used in physics and chemistry to describe how quickly a radioactive substance breaks down, or decays, over time. It represents the probability that a single atom will decay in a specific time period. A larger decay constant indicates a faster decay rate, meaning the material will lose its radioactivity more quickly. Conversely, a smaller decay constant means the substance will remain radioactive for a longer time. This concept is crucial in fields like nuclear medicine, radiocarbon dating, and understanding radioactive waste management.