Question

Can someone please explain this math problem to me?

Answer 1

I have a test tomorrow in Chemistry and I don't understand how to solve this problem. any help would be appreciated.

Determine the time (in years) needed in years to count 8.9 x 10^16 atoms at the rate of 5 atoms per 3 seconds.

The answer is 1.69 x 10^9
I just need to know how to do it.
please and thank you!

Answer 2

Use this fraction \(\dfrac{3seconds}{5atoms}\) to find the SECOND we need to count the atoms
then you have \(\dfrac{3seconds}{5atoms}\)* \(8.9*10^{16}atoms\) = \(5.34*10^{16} SECONDS\)

Answer 3

Now, convert that amount of seconds to year by the ratio
\(\dfrac{1~~year}{3.15569*10^7~~seconds}\) to find the year we need

Answer 4

\(\dfrac{1~~year}{3.15569*10^7~~seconds}\)*\(5.34*10^{16}~~seconds\) you get the answer \(1.69* 10^9 \) years

Answer 5

@Loser66 but how did you know the proportion 1 year/3.15569* 10^16 ?
what is that ? where did you get it from?

Answer 6

@Loser66 Nevermind, I see that the proportion shows how many seconds are in a year lol
thank u so much