A decay constant is a measure of the rate at which a radioactive element decays. It is a constant value that is unique to each radioactive isotope and is used to calculate the amount of time it takes for half of the initial amount of the isotope to decay.
The decay constant of a radioactive isotope can be calculated using the following formula: λ = ln(2) / t1/2, where λ is the decay constant, ln(2) is the natural logarithm of 2, and t1/2 is the half-life of the isotope in question.
The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the amount of time it takes for half of the initial amount of the isotope to decay. In this case, the half-life of the sodium isotope with a decay constant of 2.6 years is approximately 2.6 years.
No, the decay constant of a radioactive isotope is a constant value that does not change over time. It is determined by the properties of the specific isotope and remains the same regardless of the initial amount of the isotope or the amount of time that has passed since its formation.
The decay constant of a radioactive isotope is primarily affected by the properties of the isotope itself, such as its atomic structure and stability. Other factors that can influence the decay constant include temperature, pressure, and the presence of other elements or particles that may interact with the isotope.