Geiger-Nuttall law

The Geiger-Nuttall law, also known as the Geiger-Nuttall relation, is a principle in nuclear physics. It states that for a substance undergoing alpha decay, there is a linear relationship between the logarithm of its decay constant and the logarithm of the range of the emitted alpha particles in air.1

This empirical law, formulated by Hans Geiger and John Nuttall in 1911, helps predict the rate of alpha decay. A faster decay rate (shorter half-life) corresponds to alpha particles with a longer range in air. The theoretical basis for this law was later explained by quantum mechanical tunneling, where alpha particles can escape the nucleus by passing through the potential barrier.2