Question

The graph models the amount remaining, in milligrams, of a radioactive substance as a function of time, in years. Explain the meaning of the point ( 3 , 100 ) shown on the graph. Answer in complete sentences.

Answer 1

Answer:

Point (3, 100) shows that 3 years is the half-life and 100 mg is remaining of the radioactive substance.

Explanation:

From the diagram given above,

The original amount of the radioactive substance is 200 mg because at time 0 from the graph, this is the amount (i.e 200 mg) remaining.

At point (3, 100), we can see that 100 mg of radioactive material is remaining. This is exactly half the original amount.

Thus, point (3, 100) shows that 3 years is the half-life and 100 mg is remaining of the radioactive substance.

NOTE: Half-life is simply defined as the time taken for half the original amount of radioactive material to decay.