How to Calculate and Solve for Half Life | Radiometric Method

The image above represents half life. To calculate half life, one essential parameter is needed and this parameter is Decay Constant (λ).

The formula for calculating half life:

T_1/2 = ^0.693 / _λ

Where:

T_1/2 = Half Life
λ = Decay Constant

Let’s solve an example;
Find the half life when the given decay constant is 15.

This implies that;

λ = Decay Constant = 15

T_1/2 = ^0.693 / _λ
That is, T_1/2 = ^0.693 / ₁₅
T_1/2 = 0.0462

Therefore, the half life is 0.0462.

Calculating the Decay Constant when the Half Life is Given

λ = ^0.693 / _T1/2

Where;

λ = Decay Constant
T_1/2 = Half Life

Let’s solve an example;
Find the decay constant when the half life is 30.

This implies that;

T_1/2 = Half Life = 30

So, λ = ^0.693 / _T1/2
λ = ^0.693 / ₃₀
λ = 0.0231

Therefore, the decay constant is 0.0231

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Age Determination | Radiometric Method

How to Calculate Half Life Using Radiometric Method in Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the half life.

To get the answer and workings of the half life using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 2,000 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Geology under Add-on.

Now, Click on Radiometric Method under Geology

Now, Click on Half Life under Radiometric Method

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the half life according to the respective parameter which is the Decay Constant (λ).

Now, enter the value appropriately and accordingly for the parameter as required by the Decay Constant (λ) is 15.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the half life and presents the formula, workings and steps too.