Half-Life Calculator

Understanding Half-Life and Radioactive Decay

Half-life is the time required for half of a quantity of a radioactive substance to decay. It is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics, but it also appears in chemistry, environmental science, and pharmacology.

Half-Life Formula and Decay Constant

The standard formula N(t) = N0 × (1/2)^(t/t1/2) links initial quantity to remaining quantity after time t. Another expression uses decay constant λ: N(t) = N0 × e^(-λt).

Real-World Examples of Half-Life

Materials such as carbon-14 and uranium-238 decay over long periods, while medical isotopes decay over hours. The same idea also applies to metabolism and pollutant breakdown.

Using the Half-Life Calculator Effectively

Enter any three variables and the calculator computes the missing one instantly. Use it to convert between half-life, mean lifetime, and decay constant without manual algebra.

Whether you are analyzing radioactive decay, planning experiments, or studying persistence of chemicals, this calculator provides quick and reliable estimates.