decay rate


decay rate

[di′kā ‚rāt] (nuclear physics) The time rate of disintegration of radioactive material, generally accompanied by emission of particles or gamma radiation.

decay rate

1. At a given frequency, the rate at which the sound level in a room decreases after a source stops emitting sound; expressed in decibels per second (dB/s). 2. Of sound waves in an enclosed space, the rate at which the sound-pressure level of reverberation decreases; usually expressed in decibels per second. 3. Of a vibrating mechanical system, the rate at which some stated characteristic (such as the amplitude of vibration) decreases with time.