Solve the problem.
-Strontium 90 decays at a constant rate of 2.44% per year. Therefore, the equation for the amount P of strontium 90 after t years is P = P0 e-0.0244t. How long will it take for 15 grams of strontium to decay to 5 grams? Round
Answer to 2 decimal places.
A) 40.50 years
B) 450.25 years
C) 45.03 years.
D) 4.50 years

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To solve for the time $t$, we use the given decay formula $P = P_0 e^{-0.0244t}$ with $P = 5$ grams and $P_0 = 15$ grams. Rearranging the formula to solve for $t$, we get $t = \frac{\ln(P/P_0)}{-0.0244}$. Substituting $P = 5$ and $P_0 = 15$, we find $t = \frac{\ln(5/15)}{-0.0244} \approx 45.03$ years.

Solve the Problem. -Strontium 90 Decays at a Constant Rate of 2.44% Per