Radium-226 is subject to radioactive decay, and each year the amount present is reduced by 4.2%. The amount of radium-226 is an exponential function of time in years. What is the base of this exponential function?
A)0.042
B)0.238
C)0.958
D)4.2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula for exponential decay is given by y = ab^x, where b is the base of the exponential function. In this case, the amount of radium-226 is decreasing by 4.2% each year, so the multiplier (or decay factor) is 1 - 0.042 = 0.958. Thus, the base of the exponential function is 0.958, which corresponds to choice C.

Radium-226 Is Subject to Radioactive Decay, and Each Year the Amount