A sample of a certain isotope takes 29 years to decay to half its original mass. The function s t

Question

A sample of a certain isotope takes 29 years to decay to half its original mass. The function s t = 184 ( 0.5 ) t 29 gives the approximate mass of this isotope, in grams, that remains t years after a 184 -gram sample starts to decay. Which statement is the best interpretation of s 87 = 23 in this context?

Accepted Answer

Choice A is correct. In the given function, s t represents the approximate mass, in grams, of the sample that remains t years after the sample starts to decay. It follows that the best interpretation of s 87 = 23 is that approximately 23 grams of the sample remains 87 years after the sample starts to decay. Choice B is incorrect. The mass of the sample has decreased by approximately 184 - 23 , or 161 , grams, not 23 grams, 87 years after the sample starts to decay. Choice C is incorrect. The mass of the sample has decreased by approximately 78 grams, not 87 grams, 23 years after the sample starts to decay. Choice D is incorrect. This would be the best interpretation of s 23 = 87 , not s 87 = 23 .

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