DIRECT DECAY PROCESSES ARE NOT EXPONENTIAL

Authors

Ronald E. Mickens, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314Follow
Bryan A. Briones, Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta, GA, 30314Follow

Abstract

Assuming only the existence of the half-life law for direct decay processes, we derive the most general mathematical form for describing the time behavior of such events. The obtained formulae is the standard exponential term plus an additional expression which is periodic in time, i.e., (*) N(t) = N(0) exp[A(t) - kt], where A(t + a) = A(t), and A(-t) = -A(t), and a is a specified linear function of the decay constant k. Note that A(t) is an arbitrary, odd, periodic function of time. The result in Eq. (*) is consistent with experimental results coming from a broad range of disciplines in the physical and engineering sciences. The following article provides the mathematical details of the derivation and references to some of the relevant experimental data: R.E. Mickens and S.A. Rucker, "A note on a functional equation model of decay processes," Journal of Difference Equations and Applications, Vol. 30 (10), pp. 1-6 (2023).

Recommended Citation

Mickens, Ronald E. and Briones, Bryan A. (2026) "DIRECT DECAY PROCESSES ARE NOT EXPONENTIAL," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 84, No. 1, Article 89.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol84/iss1/89