Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is the term for the time required for a radioactive isotope to decay to half of its original amount?

1. Radioactive life

2. Decay time

3. Half-Life

4. Decay period

The correct answer is: Half-Life

The term for the time required for a radioactive isotope to decay to half of its original amount is known as half-life. This concept is fundamental in nuclear physics and radiobiology, as it quantifies the rate at which a radioactive substance undergoes decay. The half-life provides a consistent metric that allows scientists and medical professionals to predict how long a particular isotope will remain active and potentially harmful. Understanding half-life is crucial in various applications, including radiation therapy in medicine, dating archaeological finds through radiocarbon dating, and managing radioactive waste. Each isotope has a unique half-life, which can range from fractions of a second to billions of years, depending on its stability and the nature of its radioactive decay process. The clarity of this terminology helps in communicating the behavior of radioactive materials clearly and effectively within scientific contexts.