SOLUTION: The half life of a particular radioactive isotape of thorium is 8 minute. Find an exponential decay equation for this isotope of the form y= ae^-kt where t is in minutes.

Question 608787: The half life of a particular radioactive isotape of thorium is 8 minute. Find an exponential decay equation for this isotope of the form y= ae^-kt where t is in minutes.
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The half life of a particular radioactive isotape of thorium is 8 minute. Find an exponential decay equation for this isotope of the form y= ae^-kt where t is in minutes.
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y = a*e^(-kt)
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If "a" is the original amt. of isotope, a/2 is 1/2*a.
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Solve for "k":
a/2 = a*e^(-kt)
e^(-kt) = 1/2
(-kt) = ln(1/2)
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(-8k) = -0.6931
k = 0.0866
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Equation:
y = a*e^(-0.0866t)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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