What term describes the time it takes for half of a given sample of a radioactive substance to decay?

Explanation

The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of a given sample to decay into a different, often more stable, form, and this value is unique and constant for each specific radioactive isotope. Half-lives can range from mere fractions of a second to billions of years, depending on the particular substance involved. This predictable decay pattern allows scientists to use certain radioactive isotopes, such as carbon-14, to estimate the age of ancient organic materials with reasonable accuracy. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.