Nuclear Chemistry Calculator

Calculate radioactive decay, half-life, decay constant, and remaining activity. Input initial activity, time, and half-life for accurate nuclear chemistry calculations.

Calculator

Initial radioactive activity in Bq (Becquerels)

Time elapsed in the selected unit

Half-life in the selected time unit

Unit for time and half-life calculations

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results

About Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear chemistry deals with changes in the nucleus of atoms, including radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and nuclear energy.

Radioactive Decay:

  • Alpha Decay: Emission of helium nucleus (α particle)
  • Beta Decay: Emission of electron (β⁻) or positron (β⁺)
  • Gamma Decay: Emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation
  • Electron Capture: Absorption of orbital electron by nucleus

Decay Equations:

  • Activity: A = A₀ × e^(-λt)
  • Decay Constant: λ = ln(2) / t₁/₂
  • Half-Life: t₁/₂ = ln(2) / λ
  • Mean Life: τ = 1 / λ

Common Half-Lives:

  • Carbon-14: 5,730 years (radiocarbon dating)
  • Uranium-238: 4.5 billion years
  • Iodine-131: 8.02 days (medical applications)
  • Technetium-99m: 6.01 hours (nuclear medicine)

Applications:

  • Radiocarbon dating and archaeology
  • Nuclear medicine and cancer treatment
  • Nuclear power generation
  • Food irradiation and preservation
  • Industrial radiography and testing