Decay Correct

Decay correct is a method of adjusting the measurements of radioactive decay obtained at two different time points so that they may be used as a single data set. If a chemical compound is tagged with a radioactive isotope then the amount of radiation released in a period of time is proportional to the number of atoms of the isotope; but as time passes some of the isotope decays and the isotope remaining (which is measured by the radiation) is no longer the same as the amount of compound present. Decay correction is a mathematical method of determining the amount of compound present given the amount of isotope remaining.

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Famous quotes containing the words decay and/or correct:

    It had been a moving, tranquil apotheosis, immersed in the transfiguring sunset glow of decline and decay and extinction. An old family, already grown too weary and too noble for life and action, had reached the end of its history, and its last utterances were sounds of music: a few violin notes, full of the sad insight which is ripeness for death.
    Thomas Mann (1875–1955)

    One must first correct oneself before correcting others.
    —Chinese proverb.

    Confucian Analects.