What is half-life and how is it used?

How is half-life defined?

the amount of time it takes for one-half of a radioactive isotope to decay

Example:

When is it beneficial to use radioisotopes with long half lives?

  • carbon dating(fossils)

  • nuclear power generation(uranium)

When is it useful to use ones with relatively short half-lives?

To treat cancer, disorders, diseases, and illnesses