disintegration constant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHighly Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “disintegration constant” mean?
A measure of the rate at which a radioactive substance decays.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A measure of the rate at which a radioactive substance decays.
A specific constant, denoted as λ (lambda), representing the probability per unit time that a nucleus of a radioactive atom will undergo decay; the reciprocal of the mean lifetime of a radioactive species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, terminology, or spelling between British and American English in this highly technical domain.
Connotations
Neutral and precise scientific term in both dialects.
Frequency
Used with identical, very low frequency in both academic/technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “disintegration constant” in a Sentence
The disintegration constant (λ) of [isotope] is...A high disintegration constant indicates...To calculate the age, one needs the disintegration constant for...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in physics, chemistry, and geology papers on radioactive decay.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only in highly specific educational contexts.
Technical
Standard term in nuclear engineering, radiometric dating labs, health physics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disintegration constant”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disintegration constant”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'breakdown' or 'collapse'.
- Misspelling as 'disintergration constant'.
- Confusing it with half-life (t½), which is derived from it (t½ = ln(2)/λ).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they are directly related. The half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay and is calculated using the disintegration constant (t½ = ln(2)/λ).
Primarily in nuclear physics, radiochemistry, geology (for radiometric dating), nuclear medicine, and nuclear engineering.
It is almost universally denoted by the lowercase Greek letter lambda (λ).
Under normal conditions (not extreme pressure or temperature), the disintegration constant for a specific isotope is considered a fundamental physical constant and does not change.
A measure of the rate at which a radioactive substance decays.
Disintegration constant is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Disintegration constant: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən ˈkɒnstənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˌɪntəˈɡreɪʃən ˈkɑːnstənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a crowd (of atoms) DISintegrating at a CONSTANT rate. The letter λ (lambda) looks like a sideways hourglass, measuring the constant trickle of decay.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TIMER SETTING FOR DECAY: The constant sets the inherent, unchangeable speed of a countdown timer within each atom.
Practice
Quiz
What is the relationship between the disintegration constant (λ) and half-life (t½)?