A radioactive compound with mass 180 grams decays at a rate of 4% per hour. Which equation represents how many grams of the compound will remain after 8 hours?C=180(0.96)8C=180(1−0.04)(1−0.04)(1−0.04)C=180(1+0.04)8C=180(1−0.4)8
Q. A radioactive compound with mass 180 grams decays at a rate of 4% per hour. Which equation represents how many grams of the compound will remain after 8 hours?C=180(0.96)8C=180(1−0.04)(1−0.04)(1−0.04)C=180(1+0.04)8C=180(1−0.4)8
Understand the problem: Understand the problem.We need to find the equation that correctly represents the decay of a radioactive compound that starts with a mass of 180 grams and decays at a rate of 4% per hour over a period of 8 hours.
Identify the correct decay formula: Identify the correct decay formula.The general formula for exponential decay is given by C=C0×(1−r)t, where C0 is the initial amount, r is the decay rate per unit time, and t is the time.
Substitute values into formula: Substitute the given values into the decay formula. C0=180 grams (initial amount), r=4% per hour (decay rate), and t=8 hours (time).Convert the percentage decay rate to a decimal: 4%=0.04.
Write equation with values: Write the equation using the values from Step 3. C=180×(1−0.04)8
Check for matching equation: Check the given options to see which one matches the equation from Step 4.The correct equation is C=180×(1−0.04)8, which simplifies to C=180×(0.96)8.
Verify other options: Verify that none of the other options match the correct equation.Option B: C=180×(1−0.04)(1−0.04)(1−0.04) is incorrect because it only accounts for three hours of decay, not eight.Option C: C=180×(1+0.04)8 is incorrect because it suggests growth, not decay.Option D: C=180×(1−0.4)8 is incorrect because the decay rate is 4%, not 40%.
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