How do you find the associated exponential decay or growth model: Q = 1,500 when t = 0; half-life = 1?

1 Answer
May 20, 2017

Start with Q(t) = Q(0)e^(lambdat)
Use the fact that (Q(t_"half-life"))/(Q(0)) = 1/2 to find lambda

Explanation:

Start with Q(t) = Q(0)e^(lambdat)" [1]"

At t_"half-life" = 1

(Q(1))/(Q(0)) = 1/2 = e^(lambda(1))

Use the natural logarithm on both sides:

ln(1/2) = ln(e^(lambda(1)))

Flip the equation:

lambda = ln(1/2)

This is a better form:

lambda = -ln(2)

Substitute 1500 for Q(0) and -ln(2) for lambda into equation [1]:

Q(t) = 1500e^(-ln(2)t)