Topic explanation

Standard explanation

For decay y=y0e⁽-kt); half-life satisfies e⁽-kT)=12.

Key points

• Exponential decay and half-life
• rule
• worked example
• Exponential decay and half-life: For decay y=y0e^(-kt); half-life satisfies e^(-kT)=12.
• CONCEPT AND RULE: For decay y=y0e^(-kt); half-life satisfies e^(-kT)=12.
• METHOD: For exponential decay and half-life, identify the given information and required result. Select the
• For decay y=y0e⁽-kt); half-life satisfies e⁽-kT)=12.
• Worked pattern: If half-life is 5 years, k=ln2/5.

Labelled diagram