Question

the amount of radioactive isotope decays in half every year. the amount of isotope can be modeled f(x)=346(1/2)^x and f(1)=173. what does the 346 represent?

Answer 1

The 346 is the original mass  of the radioactive isotope.

Answer 2

Answer with explanation:

Decay Formula is given by:

`f(x)=I_(0)(1+(R)/(100))^t`

`I_(0)=\text{Initial Amount of radioactive isotope }`

R=Rate at which radioactive isotope is decaying.

t=Time Constant

Now, Coming to the Question ,

The Rate at which radioactive isotope is decaying is given by the formula:

`f(x)=346*[(1)/(2)]^x \\\\f(1)=346 * (1)/(2)\\\\f(1)=173\\\\f(0)=346*[(1)/(2)]^0\\\\f(0)=346 * 1=346`

⇒346= Initial Amount of Radioactive Isotope