Re: Radioactive decay

[Ludwik Kowalski <kowalskiL@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>]

Oops, let me correct this sentence:

> Unless the number of pencils (or coins etc., as you
> suggested) is very large, averaging is unavoidable when
> the purpose is to demonstrate that N=No*exp(-lambda*t).

A simulation does not "demonstrate" the law,
it demonstrates that the law is a consequence of
the constancy of lambda. Instead of doing this
analytically, as in advanced courses, we do this
in a simulation. Only real experiments validate
laws. By the way, that is the essence of scientific
methodology; by mutual agreement of scientists.
Ludwik Kowalski