Question

In April 1986, a flawed reactor design played a part in the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. Approximately 14252 becqurels (Bqs), units of radioactivity, were initially released into the environment. Only areas with less than 800 Bqs are considered safe for human habitation.

The function f(x)=14252(0.5)^x/32 describes the amount, f(x) in becqurels of a radioactive element remaining in the area x years after 1988.
Find F(40) to one decimal place in order to determine the amount of becqurels in 2026.
The determine if the area is safe for human habitation in the year 2026.

Answer 1

The function f(x)=14252(0.5)^x/32 describes the amount, f(x) in becqurels of a radioactive element remaining in the area x years after 1988. Therefore, F(40) = 14252(0.5)^40/32 = 0.3 Bq.

Since the area is considered safe for human habitation if the amount of becqurels is less than 800 Bqs, this area is safe for human habitation in the year 2026.