The law of the first significant digits and the half-lives of radioactive isotopes
The law of the first significant digits and the half-lives of radioactive isotopes
- Event time: 1:00pm until 2:00pm
- Event date: 20th March 2019
- Speaker: Dr György Gyürky (Institute for Nuclear Research (ATOMKI), Hungarian Academy of Sciences )
- Location: Lecture Theatre C, James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) James Clerk Maxwell Building Peter Guthrie Tait Road Edinburgh EH9 3FD GB
Event details
Many real-life data sets seem to be well described by a little known phenomenon, called Benford’s law, related to the non-uniform distribution of first significant digits. The law applies equally well to electricity bills, home addresses, house prices, deaths rates, lengths of rivers, and more.
Through the example of the half-lives of radioactive isotopes, I will discuss some of the features of the law and will demonstrate why, despite recent recommendations, it cannot be used for testing nuclear models.
All students and staff welcome.
About General interest seminars
Our General Interest Seminars are an opportunity for distinguished speakers to present new research in physics and related areas. The material presented is suitable for undergraduate level upwards and all members of the School are welcome to attend..