Question

In a lab experiment, the decay of a radioactive isotope is being observed. At the beginning of the first day of the experiment the mass of the substance was 500 grams and mass was decreasing by 8% per day. Determine the mass of the radioactive sample at the beginning of the 13th day of the experiment. Round to the nearest tenth (if necessary).

Answer 1

The mass of the radioactive sample at the beginning of the 13th day is approximately 297.5 grams.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the mass of the radioactive sample at the beginning of the 13th day, we need to calculate the decrease in mass over 12 days and then subtract it from the initial mass. The mass decreases by 8% per day, which means each day the mass is multiplied by 0.92 (100% - 8% = 92%).

Initially, the mass is 500 grams. After 12 days, the mass would be 500 * (0.92)^12 ≈ 297.5 grams. Therefore, at the beginning of the 13th day, the mass of the radioactive sample would be approximately 297.5 grams.