decay constant
[/dɪˈkeɪ ˈkɑːnstənt/]
nounpl: decay constants
constante de decaimento
1. A mathematical parameter that characterizes the rate at which a quantity decays exponentially, typically represented by the Greek letter lambda (λ) in nuclear physics and radioactivity
The decay constant determines how quickly a radioactive isotope will lose half of its mass through radioactive decay.
A constante de decaimento determina com que rapidez um isótopo radioativo perderá metade de sua massa através do decaimento radioativo.
2. In exponential decay equations, the constant that relates the half-life of a substance to the time required for radioactive transformation
Scientists calculated the decay constant to predict when the nuclear sample would become safe.
Os cientistas calcularam a constante de decaimento para prever quando a amostra nuclear se tornaria segura.
This is a specialized scientific term used primarily in academic and professional contexts related to nuclear physics, chemistry, and environmental science. It is equally recognized in both American and Brazilian scientific communities, though slightly different terminology preferences exist between Brazilian Portuguese (constante de decaimento) and European Portuguese (constante de desintegração). The concept is fundamental to understanding radioactive waste management and nuclear safety, topics of increasing importance in both Brazil and the United States.
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