What half-life measures, in nuclear physics NYT

The crossword clue "What half-life measures, in nuclear physics" with the answer "DECAY" refers to the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy and transform into more stable forms. In nuclear physics, the term "half-life" measures the time it takes for half of a sample of radioactive material to decay, or reduce in quantity due to radioactive decay.

This decay process involves the emission of particles or radiation as the unstable nuclei convert into more stable isotopes. Thus, "decay" is a key concept in understanding half-life, as it directly describes the phenomenon being measured by this time interval.

The crossword clue "What half-life measures, in nuclear physics" with the answer "RADIOACTIVITY" refers to the process of radioactive decay that half-life quantifies. In nuclear physics, the term "half-life" specifically measures the time it takes for half of a sample of radioactive material to decay. Radioactivity describes the inherent instability of atomic nuclei that leads to this decay.

Thus, the concept of half-life is directly related to the rate at which radioactivity diminishes over time. As such, "radioactivity" captures the broader phenomenon of which half-life is a measure, illustrating the ongoing process of atomic transformation that half-life helps to quantify.

The crossword clue "What half-life measures, in nuclear physics" with the answer "STABILITY" refers to the concept of how stable or unstable a radioactive substance is. In nuclear physics, half-life measures the time required for half of a radioactive sample to decay, which indirectly reflects the stability of the material's atomic nuclei.

A longer half-life indicates greater stability, meaning the nuclei are less likely to decay quickly, whereas a shorter half-life signifies less stability and a higher rate of decay.

The crossword clue "What half-life measures, in nuclear physics" with the answer "TRANSFORMATION" refers to the process of radioactive decay and the change in the state of atomic nuclei over time. In nuclear physics, half-life measures the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to undergo transformation, or decay, into a more stable form.

This process involves the nuclei of radioactive atoms changing into different isotopes or elements through the emission of radiation. Thus, "transformation" aptly describes the underlying concept of half-life, as it involves the continuous change and transition of unstable nuclei into more stable states.