$\begin{array} { | l | c | c | c | c | c | c | }
\hline \text { Time (days) } & 0 & 2 & 6 & 11 & 19 & 30 \
\hline \text { Counts per } & & & & & & \
\text { Minute } & 1000 & 899 & 726 & 556 & 356 & 200 \
\hline
\end{array}$ In a laboratory accident, a work area is contaminated with radioactive material. Health physicists monitor the area during a 30-day period and obtain the data shown in the table. The accident occurred at time t = 0 days. They determine that it will not be safe for workers to enter the area until the radioactivity level has dropped to 16 counts per minute. Of the choices listed, which one is the earliest time after the accident that workers could safely return?

Question

$\begin{array} { | l | c | c | c | c | c | c | } 
\hline \text { Time (days) } & 0 & 2 & 6 & 11 & 19 & 30 \
\hline \text { Counts per } & & & & & & \
\text { Minute } & 1000 & 899 & 726 & 556 & 356 & 200 \
\hline
\end{array}$ In a laboratory accident, a work area is contaminated with radioactive material. Health physicists monitor the area during a 30-day period and obtain the data shown in the table. The accident occurred at time t = 0 days. They determine that it will not be safe for workers to enter the area until the radioactivity level has dropped to 16 counts per minute. Of the choices listed, which one is the earliest time after the accident that workers could safely return?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data suggests an exponential decay of radioactivity. By fitting an exponential decay model to the data, the half-life can be estimated, and the time when the counts per minute drop to 16 can be calculated. This calculation shows that it will be safe to return after approximately 77 days.

In a Laboratory Accident, a Work Area Is Contaminated with |