Question

You are examining decomposition of corn leaves following the growing season on a farm. To do this, you place 33 g of corn leaves in a mesh bag and measure decomposition over time. In a literature search, you find that the decay constant of corn leaves is typically 0.04. Given this, use the equation mt =moe−kt to predict the leaf mass remaining in the bag after 30 days.

a. 0.009 g
b. 23.3 g
c. 9.94 g
d. 1.7 g
e. 14.8 g

Answer 1

c. 9.94 g

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question,

Using

mt = m₀e⁻kt.................... Equation 1

Where mt = mass of the leaf remaining in the bag, m₀ = original mass of leave that was placed in the bag, k = decay constant, t = time.

Given: m₀ = 33 g, k = 0.04, t = 30 days.

Substitute into equation 1

mt = 33(e⁻(0.04ˣ30))

mt = 33e⁻¹²/¹⁰

mt = 33/e¹²/¹⁰

mt = 33/3.320

mt = 9.94 g.

Hence the right answer is c. 9.94 g