Final answer:
The temperature T of the soda t minutes after being placed in the refrigerator is best described by an exponential decay function that starts at the soda's initial temperature and approaches the refrigerator's constant temperature. The correct temperature-time relation is T(t) = 36 - 43e^(-0.058t), where the refrigerator's temperature is 36°F and the initial temperature difference is 43°F.
Step-by-step explanation:
The temperature T of the soda t minutes after it is placed in the refrigerator is described by the equation that accounts for the decrease in temperature from a warmer object to the colder ambient temperature in the refrigerator. This is typically modeled by an exponential decay function. Starting at 79°F and cooling to the refrigerator's constant temperature of 36°F, we should expect the equation to show a starting value at 79°F which approaches 36°F over time.
Since the temperature of the soda will decrease, this means it starts at 43 degrees above the refrigerator's temperature (79°F - 36°F = 43°F). Over time, the temperature difference should decrease at an exponential rate. Therefore, the correct equation is T(t) = 36 - 43e^(-0.058t), meaning option B is correct. This equation describes a process where the temperature difference (43°F) decreases over time t, and the function approaches the refrigerator's temperature of 36°F.