What does the term 'half-life' refer to in the context of radioactive substances?

The term 'half-life' specifically refers to the time required for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to decay into its daughter products. This concept is fundamental in understanding the behavior of radioactive materials, as it provides a predictable measure of how quickly a radioactive isotope will lose its radioactivity. Each radioactive isotope has a unique half-life, which can range from fractions of a second to billions of years, depending on the isotope in question.

This measure is critical in fields such as radiometric dating, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety, as it allows for the calculation of the remaining activity of a substance over time and helps in determining safe handling and disposal practices. The concept of half-life serves as a key parameter in the study of radioactive decay, making it essential for professionals who work with radioactive materials.