Initially, there are 4×103 bacteria in a container. It is given that the number of bacteria will be doubled after every 20 minutes. If the container is left alone for 6 hours, find the number of bacteria in the container, (Express the answer in scientific notation correct to 3 significant figures.)
Q. Initially, there are 4×103 bacteria in a container. It is given that the number of bacteria will be doubled after every 20 minutes. If the container is left alone for 6 hours, find the number of bacteria in the container, (Express the answer in scientific notation correct to 3 significant figures.)
Calculate Doubling Periods: Calculate the total number of doubling periods in 6 hours. 6 hours =360 minutes. Doubling period =20 minutes. Number of periods =360/20=18.
Apply Doubling Formula: Apply the doubling formula to find the final number of bacteria.Initial count = 4×103. Final count = Initial count ×2Number of periods.Final count = 4×103×218.
Calculate Final Count: Calculate 218 and multiply by the initial count.218=262144.Final count = 4×103×262144=1048576×103.
More problems from Ratios and rates: word problems