In this section, an exponential graph is simulated and investigated.
What does an exponential graph look like?
The applet below simulates the decay of atomic nuclei. When the "Start" button is clicked, the color of the nuclei changes to black as it decays. Click "Pause" to stop the process and "Resume" to start it again. "Reset" restores the process to the initial state. "Diagram" will display the graph of the function.
Source: The Law of Radioactive Decay, Walter Fendt, walter-fendt.de
Answer the questions below.
Click on the blanks to reveal the answers.
- The applet represents Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____
1000
radioactive nuclei before the decay process.
- Press "Start" to begin the decay process and press "Pause" at T = 0.10 to Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____
stop
the decay process.
- The graph is starting to look like a Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____
linear
function.
- Start the process again pausing at T = 1.00, T = 1.50, T = 2.00 ,continuing until T = 5.0.
- The graph of the decayed nuclei appears to Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____
curve
as it reaches the x-axis.
- Referring to the graph, the percent of substance left at time 3T is approximately Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____
12%
.
- There will be 25% of the nuclei left after a time of approximately Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____
2T
.
An exponential decay graph starts high and curves towards the Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____ ,
x-axis and an exponential growth graph starts close to the Interactive button. Assistance may be required.
____
1000 and curves upward.