The decay constant of a radio isotope is λ. If A₁ and A₂ are its activities at time t₁ and t₂ respectively, the number of nuclei which have decayed during the time (t₁ – t₂):

Options

(a) λ (A₁ – A₂)
(b) A₁t₁ -A₂t₂
(c) A₁ – A₂
(d) (A₁ – A₂) / λ

Correct Answer:

(A₁ – A₂) / λ

Explanation:

Activity is given by A = dN/ dt = -λN
Activity at time t₁ is A₁ = – λN₁
and activity at time t₂ is A₂ = -1 N₂ as t₁ > t₂ therefore, number of atoms remained after time t₁ is less than that remained after time t₂.
That is, N₁