Question

Radioactive radium has a half-life of approximately 1599 years. The initial quantity is 5 grams. How much remains after 600 years? y=Ce^kt

Answer 1

The equation for exponential decay is\[C=C _{i}e ^{-kt}\]
where C = amount remaining, Ci = initial amount, k = decay constant and t = elapsed time in years.
We need to find the value of k:
\[\frac{C}{C _{i}}=0.5=e ^{-1599k}.................(1)\]
Now you need to solve equation (1) to find k. Can you do that?

Answer 2

Yes, I understand now. Thank you!

Answer 3

You're welcome :)