The decay constant of plutonium-239, a waste product from nuclear reactors, is 2.88 * 10-5 year - 1. What is the half-life of 239Pu?

The decay constant (λ) is a probability rate at which a radioactive isotope decays. It is specific to each isotope and is expressed in units of time inverse, such as year⁻¹. A higher decay constant indicates a faster rate of decay, while a lower value suggests a slower decay process.

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. It is a crucial concept in nuclear chemistry, as it provides insight into the stability and longevity of radioactive materials. The half-life can be calculated using the decay constant with the formula t₁/₂ = ln(2)/λ.

Radioactive decay is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This process can result in the transformation of one element into another and occurs at a predictable rate characterized by the decay constant. Understanding this process is essential for calculating the remaining quantity of a radioactive substance over time.