Solve the problem.
-A certain radioactive isotope decays at a rate of 2% per 300 years. If t represents time in years and y represents the amount of the isotope left, use the condition that y = 0.98y0 to find the value of k in the equation y = y0e^kt.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay rate is 2% per 300 years, so y = 0.98y0 when t = 300. Using y = y0e^(kt), we have 0.98 = e^(300k). Solving for k gives k = ln(0.98)/300 ≈ -0.00007.

Solve the Problem. -A Certain Radioactive Isotope Decays at a Rate of 2