A scientist is analyzing a sample that decays at a rate of 12% per year. If the initial mass is 200 grams, what will be the mass after 5 years?

Sat, 09 May 2026 03:32:46 +0000

Title: Understanding Radioactive Decay: How 12% Annual Decay Changes Mass Over Time – A Scientific Analysis Meta Description:
Explore how a scientist analyzes radioactive decay with a 12% annual decay rate. Learn how to calculate the remaining mass after 5 years starting from 200 grams. --- ### Introduction
Radioactive decay is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics and environmental science, describing how unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation over time. For scientists tracking decay, precise calculations are essential—especially when measuring how much a sample remains after years of slow decay. One common decay scenario involves a substance decaying at a steady rate, such as 12% per year. But what does this mean mathematically, and how do researchers compute the mass after a specific period?