Chapter 3: Problem 72
It has been estimated that 1000 curies of a radioactive substance introduced at a point on the surface of the open sea would spread over an area of 40,000 \(\mathrm{km}^{2}\) in 40 days. Assuming that the area covered by the radioactive substance is a linear function of time \(t\) and is always circular in shape, express the radius \(r\) of the contamination as a function of \(t\).
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Problem
Linear Function of Area
Solve for the Constant k
Area of a Circle Formula
Solve for the Radius r
Final Expression
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Functions
- **Constant Rate**: The key characteristic of linear functions is the consistent rate of change, signified by the slope \( m \).
- **Real-World Applications**: These functions are often used to describe scenarios in economics, physics, and various scientific fields where something grows or decreases uniformly over time.
- **In Our Scenario**: The area over which the radioactive substance spreads is described as increasing linearly with time, making it a perfect example of this concept. The linear relationship \( A(t) = kt \) implies that the constant \( k \) determines how fast the area grows every unit of time.
Area of Circle
- **Formula Components**: The formula combines the radius squared with the constant \( \pi \), which inherently ties the circular shape's area to its radius.
- **Real-World Uses**: The formula is crucial when determining the space occupied by circular objects and understanding phenomena in natural processes, astronomy, and engineering.
- **In Application**: In our radioactive decay model, the spreading area of the contamination is assumed to be circular due to the natural diffusion properties of the substance in a fluid body like the ocean.
Mathematical Modeling
- **Model Structure**: A model usually defines variables and relationships, often through equations or inequalities, to create a framework that mirrors the phenomenon being studied.
- **Application in Sciences**: It's extensively used in scientific research, engineering, economics, and environmental studies to simulate scenarios and predict future trends or results.
- **Current Context**: In the problem of radioactive diffusion over the sea, modeling is used to predict how the contaminated area grows over time and provides a function \( r(t) \) representing the radius dependent on time \( t \).
Function of Time
- **Dynamic Scenarios**: Such functions are employed in scenarios where growth, decay, or change is being tracked, incorporating time as a pivotal component.
- **Understanding Time Dependence**: By analyzing \( f(t) \), one can understand how a situation progresses - either grows, shrinks, or fluctuates - which is fundamental in both natural and social sciences.
- **Specific Use**: In our solved problem, the function \( r(t) = \sqrt{\frac{1000t}{\pi}} \) directly establishes the relationship between the radius \( r \) of the contamination area and time \( t \). It shows how the area of contamination spreads circularly over time.