Answer: lambda = ln2 / T(1/2).
- A lambda = ln2 x T(1/2)
- B lambda = ln2 / T(1/2)
- C lambda = T(1/2)/ln2
- D lambda = 1/T(1/2)
Correct answer: B. lambda = ln2 / T(1/2)
Explanation: lambda = 0.693/T(1/2). Activity A = lambda x N = A<sub>0</sub> x e<sup>-lambda t</sup>.
Binding energy per nucleon rises sharply for light nuclei, peaks around iron-56 (the most stable nucleus), then slowly declines for heavier nuclei - which is exactly why fusing light nuclei or splitting heavy nuclei both release energy: each moves the products toward this stability peak.
Concept context
Radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and binding energy.