CHEM 418 Spring 2026 Lecture 3 Decay Kinetics скачать в хорошем качестве

CHEM 418 Spring 2026 Lecture 3 Decay Kinetics

Lecture 3 of CHEM 418 examines the kinetics of radioactive decay, offering a comprehensive exploration of decay equations, half-life, mean lifetime, and the statistical nature of radioactive processes. Fundamental equations such as exponential decay are introduced, alongside methods to calculate activity, specific activity, and decay constants. Error evaluation in nuclear counting is explained, demonstrating how statistical needs can influence data collection and experiments. The lecture extends to mixtures of radionuclides, branching decay processes, and parent-progeny relationships. Detailed discussions cover transient and secular equilibrium, illustrating how decay dynamics influence isotopic ratios over time. The Bateman equation is demonstrated using Excel. Case studies highlight environmental radionuclides and isotopic dating methods, such as radiocarbon dating using 14C, uranium-lead dating with 238U, and insights derived from the natural nuclear reactor at Oklo.