First Order Decay

[Stevin1H]

Are all decay problems typically referring to first order reactions? Or could there instances where it requires us to use a different order reaction?

[Cynthia Aragon 1B]

According to my understanding, radioactive decay is a first order process since the decay rate is dependent upon the number of radioactive atoms. Moreover, since it is a first order the rate of the reaction depends upon the concentration of one reactant and thus it is not affected by factors that alter typical chemical reactions such as temperature and pressure. Radioactive decay is an exponential decay function meaning that the greater the quantity of atoms present, the more quickly the element will decay.

[michelle]

I think no. You can only ensure a decay reaction as first order reaction when the half-life is a constant.