To calculate the decay constant of a radioactive substance, we can use the equation:
λ = ln(2) / t½
Where: λ is the decay constant, ln is the natural logarithm function, 2 is the constant representing the ratio of the initial quantity to the remaining quantity after one half-life, and t½ is the half-life of the substance.
In this case, the half-life is given as 3.8 days. Plugging this value into the equation, we can calculate the decay constant:
λ = ln(2) / 3.8
Calculating this expression yields:
λ ≈ 0.182
Therefore, the decay constant of the radioactive substance is approximately 0.182.
