decay constant

noun

Physics.

1. the reciprocal of the decay time.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decay constant¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

To begin with, it was discovered that one of the basic components of Libby’s formula, known as the decay constant, was off by about 3 percent.

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The subsequent γ-ray afterglow subsided quickly, with an exponential decay constant of 40–60 milliseconds, and was followed by prolonged line emission at about 0.511 megaelectronvolts, which lasted for a minute.

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