Experiment
Nuclear Decay Chains
Radioactive atoms decay randomly, each with a fixed probability per unit time. From this randomness, the exponential decay law emerges with mathematical certainty. Watch a population of unstable atoms undergo alpha, beta, and gamma decay, building daughter isotopes along a decay chain.
N(t) = N₀ · e−λt • λ = ln(2) / t½
Parent (U-238)
Alpha decay
Beta decay
Gamma flash
Remaining: 200
Decayed: 0
Time: 0.0s
Expected: 200
How it works
Each atom has a fixed probability of decaying in any small time interval: λ·dt, where λ = ln(2)/t½. This random process produces the smooth exponential decay curve N(t) = N₀e−λt as a statistical average. The simulation models a simplified uranium-238 decay chain where each decay step produces a different daughter isotope.
- Alpha decay (α): The nucleus emits a helium-4 nucleus, losing 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
- Beta decay (β): A neutron converts to a proton (or vice versa), emitting an electron or positron.
- Gamma decay (γ): The nucleus drops to a lower energy state, emitting a high-energy photon.