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Wordabulary

half-life

Pronunciation
Noun B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

"Carbon-14 has a half-life of about 5,730 years."

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "Carbon-14 has a _____ of about 5,730 years."

Answer: half-life

In your own words, what does "half-life" mean?

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

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