Chapter 12.3
Exponential decay: Half-life
What You'll Learn
Define half-life as the time required for a substance to decay to half its original amount
Build exponential decay models using initial amount and half-life period
Apply the formula S(t) = initial × (1/2)^(t/half-life) to radioactive decay problems
Solve for time elapsed using logarithms when given a target decay amount
What You'll Practice
1
Creating decay tables to track substance amounts over multiple half-life periods
2
Writing exponential equations from word problem contexts
3
Solving for time using logarithms when the decayed amount is known
4
Calculating remaining substance after non-whole number periods
Why This Matters
Half-life calculations are essential in nuclear physics, medicine, and archaeology. You'll use these exponential decay skills to understand carbon dating, medical radiation treatments, and nuclear safetyplus they build your foundation for calculus and advanced science courses.
Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:
This Unit Includes
1 Video lesson
Practice exercises
Skills
Half-Life
Exponential Decay
Logarithms
Word Problems
Exponential Functions
Radioactive Decay
Solving Equations
OH Curriculum Aligned
