Mean Lifetime Calculator
☢ Nuclear & Decay. Use the Mean lifetime formula to find mean lifetime τ, decay constant λ: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Mean lifetime τ7.215 s
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Mean lifetime τ | s |
| Decay constant λ | 1/s |
Worked example
Find the mean lifetime τ when Decay constant λ = 0.1386 1/s.
Using τ = 1/λ: Mean lifetime τ = 7.215 s.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Mean lifetime?
τ = 1/λ.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Mean lifetime τ in s, Decay constant λ in 1/s.
How do you calculate mean lifetime τ?
Put the values into τ = 1/λ. For example, with Decay constant λ = 0.1386 1/s, mean lifetime τ = 7.215 s.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (mean lifetime τ, decay constant λ) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
