MathLiveExponential decay differential equation
The rate of decrease of a quantity is proportional to the amount present, so the quantity falls off exponentially over time. It models radioactive decay and other first-order processes.
\frac{dN}{dt} = -\lambda NWhat the symbols mean
| amount of the quantity remaining at time t (e.g. number of nuclei) | |
| time | |
| decay constant, a positive rate per unit time |
About this formula
- FieldMathematics
- TopicDifferential equations
- LevelUniversity
- Also calledexponential decay, radioactive decay law, first order decay rate, exponential decay equation, decay rate proportional to quantity
- SourceWikidata Q574576
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