curve.fit

Exponential Decay (Half-life)

Exponential decay toward a constant level, written with the half-life t½. Use it for radioactive decay above a background and other first-order decays where the half-life is the result you want.

Start with your own data

Parameters

Value of y − C at x = 0.
Half-life: the interval in x over which y − C halves.
Constant background the decay approaches.

Tips

  • t½ and its uncertainty are reported directly, with no conversion from a rate constant.
  • This is the same curve as Exponential with Offset with b = −ln 2/t½. The time constant is t½/ln 2.
  • Include data over several half-lives so the background C is well determined.

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