Cesium-137 is a radioactive material that decays at the rate of 2.3% per year. Suppose a nuclear accident releases Cesium-137 into the atmosphere at a constant rate of 1.5 pounds per year for the next 30 years. What is the total amount of radioactive buildup?

Question

compassionate · Answer

Celsium-137 = 1.5x * 2.3%? 

I think that'll be the formula

anonymous · Answer

hmmm.....I know that the formula $$\frac{ p }{ k } (1-e ^{-kt})$$ is part of it. But I don't know what the value of k would be.....either .023 or 1.5

compassionate · Answer

Ask in the physics section ;)

anonymous · Answer

Lol I don't think anyone would answer it in that section.

compassionate · Answer

Try tagging other people.

anonymous · Answer

oh i've never heard of that....how do i tag people?

compassionate · Answer

@ <-- name here

anonymous · Answer

year 1: release 1.5 pounds, how much does this part build up to at the end of year 30?
year 2: release 1.5 pounds,  how much does this part build up to at the end of year 30?
...
...
year 30: release 1.5 pounds, no build up though.

now add up the contribution from each year to get a grand total