Chapter 4: Problem 69
Suppose that the rate of change of the mass \(m\) of a sample of the isotope \({ }^{14} C\) satisfies $$m^{\prime}(t)=-0.1213 \cdot e^{-0.0001213 t} \frac{\mathrm{g}}{\mathrm{yr}}$$ when \(t\) is measured in years. If \(m(0)=1000 \mathrm{~g},\) then for what value of \(t\) is \(m(t)\) equal to \(800 \mathrm{~g}\) ?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Problem
Set Up the Integral for Solution
Integrate the Differential Equation
Apply Initial Condition to Determine C
Solve for t When m(t) = 800
Calculate the Value of t
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Radioactive Decay
It is important to remember:
- Radioactive decay is random on the atomic scale but predictable on a larger scale.
- The decay rate is often expressed through a half-life, which is the time needed for half of the radioactive nuclei to decay.
- The rate of decay depends on the stability of the isotope and is independent of external conditions like temperature and pressure.
Integration
The integral to find \( m(t) \) is:
- \[ m(t) = \int -0.1213 \cdot e^{-0.0001213t} \, dt + C \]
- First, recognize the integral of an exponential function. Use the formula: \( \int e^{ax} \, dx = \frac{1}{a}e^{ax} + C \).
- Apply the constants in the problem and solve: \( \int -0.1213 \cdot e^{-0.0001213t} \, dt \) yields \(-10^3 e^{-0.0001213t} + C \).
Initial Value Problem
Using this information, we solve for the constant of integration \( C \) in the function \( m(t) \):
- After integrating, we have \[ m(t) = -10^3 e^{-0.0001213t} + C \].
- Substitute \( t = 0 \) and \( m(0) = 1000 \) to find \( C \):
- \( 1000 = -10^3 \cdot e^{0} + C \), simplify to \( 1000 = -1000 + C \)
- This results in \( C = 2000 \).
Exponential Functions
Key attributes of exponential functions in the context of this problem include:
- They model processes that change multiplicatively, such as population growth or radioactive decay.
- The base \( e \) ensures continuous growth or decay.
- Exponential decay occurs when the exponent \( b \) is negative, leading to a decreasing outcome over time.
\[ m(t) = -10^3 e^{-0.0001213t} + 2000\] describes an exponential decay model, where \(-0.0001213\) signifies a decay rate. To find when \( m(t) = 800 \text{g} \), we solve:
- \[800 = -10^3 e^{-0.0001213t} + 2000\]
- Rearrange and isolate the exponential term to calculate \( t \).
- The expression \( e^{-0.0001213t} = 1.2 \) comes from simplifying the mass equation step-by-step.
- Taking the natural logarithm, solve for \( t \):
\[ t = \frac{\ln(1.2)}{-0.0001213} \approx 1579.45 \text{ years} \]