UG Applied Mathematics Booster Test 2 - Mathematical Modeling
📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.
QUESTION 1 OF 20
Differential equations play a pivotal role in describing real-world problems. Which of the following is NOT listed in the text as a diverse range application for mathematical models?
QUESTION 2 OF 20
Match the scenario to the corresponding mathematical formulation step based on rate of change principles:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. A quantity y grows at a rate proportional to its size | a. dx/dt = -k₁ x |
| 2. A quantity x decays at a rate proportional to its size | b. dA/dt = rA |
| 3. Temperature T changes proportional to difference from surrounding A | c. dy/dt = ky |
| 4. Money A compounds continuously at rate r | d. dT/dt = -k(T - A) |
QUESTION 3 OF 20
Which steps describe the transition from a real-world scenario to a mathematical conclusion?
1. Formulation in terms of Mathematical Model
2. Convert into differential equation
3. Solution of the problem
4. Interpretation of the solution
QUESTION 4 OF 20
Identify the incorrect statement concerning mathematical interpretation of physical problems.
QUESTION 5 OF 20
When observing dynamic systems, what justifies the necessity of differential equations over standard algebra?
QUESTION 6 OF 20
If dP/dt = (α - β)P represents population, what is the constraint for strict decrease?
QUESTION 7 OF 20
For a positive growth constant k > 0, what does the parameter A represent in the exponential growth formula
\(y=Ae^{kt},\)
QUESTION 8 OF 20
The growth function f(t) = A e^(kt) with k > 0 has what key graphical property as time t increases?
QUESTION 9 OF 20
What is the explicit general solution to the decay differential equation
\(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky,k<0?\)
\(y=Ae^{-kt}\)
\(y=Ae^{kt}\)
\(y=Aln(kt)\)
\(y=A+e^{kt}\)
QUESTION 10 OF 20
In the decreasing function graph for
\(y=Ae^{kt},k<0,\)
as the variable \(t\) moves towards positive infinity, the value of \(y\) approaches:
QUESTION 11 OF 20
In the birth rate model
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=(\alpha -\beta )P,\)
if the death rate \(\beta\) is completely ignored (i.e., \(\beta =0\)), the differential equation simplifies to:
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha\)
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha P\)
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=-\beta P\)
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=P\)
QUESTION 12 OF 20
To solve the death rate model, the integration
\(\int \frac{1}{P} dP=\int k dt\)
is performed. What is the resulting integrated equation before removing the logarithm?
\(P=kt+c\)
\(logP=k+t+c\)
\(logP=kt+c\)
\(\frac{P^{2}}{2}=kt+c\)
QUESTION 13 OF 20
The bacteria grew from 10,000 to 40,000 at 5 hours. What was the exact mathematical value found for \(e^{2k}\) ?
QUESTION 14 OF 20
Based on the initial population calculation in Example 13, if
\(\lambda e^{3k}=10,000\)
and
\(e^{k}=2,\)
what is the calculated value of the initial population \(\lambda\)?
\(2500\)
\(5000\)
\(1250\)
\(1000\)
QUESTION 15 OF 20
Ms. Rajni deposits Rs. 10,000 at 4% continuous compound interest. The formula evaluated to find the amount after 10 years is:
\(10000\times e^{0.04}\)
\(10000\times e^{0.4}\)
\(10000\times e^{4}\)
\(10000\times e^{40}\)
QUESTION 16 OF 20
To find the doubling time of the money, the equation simplifies to
\(0.04t=ln2.\)
What is the approximate numerical value of
\(\ln\,2\)
used to solve for \(t\)?
QUESTION 17 OF 20
The solution to the cooling process differential equation
\(\frac{dT}{dt}=-k(T-A)\)
integrates to
\(log(T-A)=-kt+c.\)
What does \(c\) represent when converted to the exponential form
\(T-A=\lambda e^{-kt}?\)
\(c=\lambda\)
\(e^{c}=\lambda\)
\(lnc=\lambda\)
\(-k=\lambda\)
QUESTION 18 OF 20
A cake cools from 185°F to 150°F in 30 minutes in a 75°F room. What is the value of λ derived from the initial conditions at t=0? :
QUESTION 19 OF 20
(Passage-Based)
Utilizing the half-life concept from the passage, substituting
\(t=5700\)
and
\(x=\frac{x_{0}}{2}\)
into
\(x=x_{0}e^{-k_{1}t}\)
results in which exact equation?
\(e^{-5700k_{1}}=2\)
\(e^{-5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}\)
\(e^{5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}\)
\(e^{-k_{1}}=\frac{2}{5700}\)
QUESTION 20 OF 20
(Passage-Based)
The mathematical model for exponential growth or decay is given by
\(\frac{df}{dt}=kf(t)\)
or
\(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky.\)
For carbon dating, Carbon-14 decays exponentially with a half-life of 5700 years. If \(x\) is the mass of Carbon-14 remaining after \(t\) years, the differential equation is
\(\frac{dx}{dt}=-k_{1}x,\)
whose general solution is
\(x=x_{0}e^{-k_{1}t},\)
where \(x_{0}\)is the initial amount of Carbon-14. The half-life principle states that after 5700 years, only half of the original Carbon-14 remains. Thus,
\(t=5700,x=\frac{x_{0}}{2}.\)
Substituting these values into the exponential solution gives
\(\frac{x_{0}}{2}=x_{0}e^{-5700k_{1}},\)
which simplifies to
\(e^{-5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}.\)
This equation is used to determine the decay constant \(k_{1}\). Once the decay constant is known, scientists can estimate the age of archaeological samples by measuring the remaining Carbon-14
If charcoal from an ancient pit contained only one-fourth \(\left(1/4\right)\)of the Carbon-14 found in a living sample, what is its estimated age?
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 Differential equations play a pivotal role in describing real-world problems. Which of the following is NOT listed in the text as a diverse range application for mathematical models?
Applications list in modeling Common fields included Identify excluded domain
Mathematical modeling typically includes astronomy, social sciences, and finance, but quantum mechanics is not explicitly listed in the given context.
- A → standard application area
- B → included in modeling scope
- D → financial modeling domain
Extreme word filter
Final Logic: identify non-listed field
"QM is extra here"
2 Match the scenario to the corresponding mathematical formulation step based on rate of change principles:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. A quantity y grows at a rate proportional to its size | a. dx/dt = -k₁ x |
| 2. A quantity x decays at a rate proportional to its size | b. dA/dt = rA |
| 3. Temperature T changes proportional to difference from surrounding A | c. dy/dt = ky |
| 4. Money A compounds continuously at rate r | d. dT/dt = -k(T - A) |
Growth → positive k Decay → negative k Match standard models
1: growth → dy/dt = ky 2: decay → dx/dt = −kx 3: Newton cooling 4: compound interest model dA/dt = rA 3Why Other Options Are Incorrect • A → mismatches decay/growth pairing • C → swaps compound interest mapping • D → incorrect assignment of models
Model identification
Final Logic: standard rate equations mapping
"Growth positive, decay negative"
3 Which steps describe the transition from a real-world scenario to a mathematical conclusion?
1. Formulation in terms of Mathematical Model
2. Convert into differential equation
3. Solution of the problem
4. Interpretation of the solution
Full modeling cycle Formulation → solution → interpretation Complete process
All steps are part of modeling: formulation, equation setup, solving, and interpreting results.
- 1 → missing key steps
- 2 → incomplete process
- 3 → missing interpretation
Process completeness check
Final Logic: modeling is full 4-step cycle
"Model = Form–Solve–Interpret"
4 Identify the incorrect statement concerning mathematical interpretation of physical problems.
Real systems vary with time Modeling uses functions Constants are invalid assumption
In differential equations, quantities depend on time t; assuming constant independence is incorrect.
- A → correct modeling idea
- C → correct modeling step
- D → correct interpretation stage
- Extreme statement filter
Final Logic: time dependence is essential
"Time means change"
5 When observing dynamic systems, what justifies the necessity of differential equations over standard algebra?
Change is central Rates of change needed Algebra insufficient
Differential equations model how quantities change continuously, unlike algebraic equations which are static.
- A → incorrect generalization
- C → irrelevant restriction
- D → false statement
Conceptual reasoning
Final Logic: change → differential equations
"Change needs derivatives"
6 If dP/dt = (α - β)P represents population, what is the constraint for strict decrease?
Net growth rate Negative condition Decay occurs
For decrease, (α − β) must be negative → α < β.
- A → growth condition
- B → constant population
- D → includes growth cases
Sign analysis
Final Logic: negative rate condition
"Death > Birth → decay"
7 For a positive growth constant k > 0, what does the parameter A represent in the exponential growth formula
\(y=Ae^{kt},\)
Initial condition t = 0 value Exponential model
At t = 0, y = A e⁰ = A → initial amount.
- A → k is growth rate
- B → independent variable
- D → unrelated
Initial condition substitution
Final Logic: t = 0 gives A
"A = At start"
8 The growth function f(t) = A e^(kt) with k > 0 has what key graphical property as time t increases?
Positive exponent Increasing function Rapid growth
For k > 0, exponential function grows rapidly as t increases.
- A → decay case
- B → not linear
- D → no oscillation
Graph behavior recognition
Final Logic: positive k → growth
"Positive k → up curve"
9 What is the explicit general solution to the decay differential equation
\(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky,k<0?\)
\(y=Ae^{-kt}\)
\(y=Ae^{kt}\)
\(y=Aln(kt)\)
\(y=A+e^{kt}\)
The differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky\) represents exponential growth or decay. Its general solution is \(y=Ae^{kt}.\) Since \(k<0\), the exponential term decreases with time, representing exponential decay.
Given, \(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky,k<0.\) Separate the variables: \(\frac{dy}{y}=k dt.\) Integrate both sides: \(\int \frac{1}{y} dy=\int k dt,\) which gives \(log∣y∣=kt+C.\) Exponentiating, \(y=e^{kt+C}.\) Since \(e^{C}=A,\) the general solution becomes \(y=Ae^{kt}.\) Because \(k<0\), \(e^{kt}=e^{-∣k∣t},\) which decreases as \(t\) increases, representing exponential decay. Hence, Option B is correct
- Option A)
- \(y=Ae^{-kt}\)
- Incorrect because if \(k<0\),
- \(-k>0,\)
- so
- \(e^{-kt}=e^{∣k∣t},\)
- which represents exponential growth, not decay.
- Option B)
- \(y=Ae^{kt}\)
- Correct.
- This is the standard general solution of
- \(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky.\)
- When \(k<0\), it automatically represents exponential decay.
- Option C)
- \(y=Alog(kt)\)
- Incorrect because integrating
- \(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky\)
- produces an exponential function, not a logarithmic function.
- Option D)
- \(y=A+e^{kt}\)
- Incorrect because this expression does not satisfy
- \(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky.\)
- The arbitrary constant appears as a multiplicative constant, not an additive one.
Used
- Separation of Variables
Application:
- 1. Separate the variables:
- \(\frac{dy}{y}=k dt.\)
- 1. Integrate both sides.
- 2. Exponentiate to remove the logarithm.
- 3. Replace \(e^{C}\)by the arbitrary constant \(A\).
"Sign of \(k\) decides Growth or Decay; the solution always stays \(Ae^{kt}\).
10 In the decreasing function graph for
\(y=Ae^{kt},k<0,\)
as the variable \(t\) moves towards positive infinity, the value of \(y\) approaches:
When \(k<0\), the function \(y=Ae^{kt}\) represents exponential decay. As time \(t\) increases indefinitely, the exponential term approaches zero, so the value of \(y\) also approaches zero.
The given function is \(y=Ae^{kt},\) where \(A\) is the initial amount. \(k<0\), indicating exponential decay. As \(t\rightarrow \infty ,\) the exponent \(kt\rightarrow -\infty .\) Since \(e^{-\infty }=0,\) we have \(Ae^{kt}\rightarrow A\times 0=0.\) Thus, \({lim}_{t\rightarrow \infty }Ae^{kt}=0.\) Therefore, the function approaches the x-axis (horizontal asymptote) but never becomes negative. Hence, Option C is correct.
- Option A) Negative infinity
- Incorrect because an exponential decay function remains non-negative (for \(A>0\)) and approaches 0, not negative infinity.
- Option B) Original amount \(A\)
- Incorrect because \(A\) is the initial value at
- \(t=0,\)
- since
- \(y(0)=Ae^{0}=A.\)
- As time increases, the value decreases from \(A\) toward zero.
- Option C) Zero
- Correct.
- Since
- \(e^{kt}\rightarrow 0\)
- for \(k<0\),
- \(y=Ae^{kt}\rightarrow 0.\)
- Option D) Positive infinity
- Incorrect because exponential growth occurs only when
- \(k>0.\)
- Here, \(k<0\), so the function decreases instead of increasing.
Used
- Analyse the Long-Term Behaviour of an Exponential Function
Application:
- 1. Identify the sign of \(k\).
- 2. If \(k<0\), the function represents exponential decay.
- 3. Evaluate the limit as
- \(t\rightarrow \infty .\)
- 1. Use the fact that
- \(e^{-\infty }=0.\)
"Negative \(k\), Zero is the Key."
11 In the birth rate model
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=(\alpha -\beta )P,\)
if the death rate \(\beta\) is completely ignored (i.e., \(\beta =0\)), the differential equation simplifies to:
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha\)
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha P\)
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=-\beta P\)
\(\frac{dP}{dt}=P\)
When the death rate is ignored (\(\beta =0\)), the net population growth depends only on the birth rate. Substituting \(\beta =0\) into the equation gives \(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha P.\)
The population growth model is \(\frac{dP}{dt}=(\alpha -\beta )P,\) where \(\alpha\)= birth rate, \(\beta\)= death rate. If \(\beta =0,\) then \(\frac{dP}{dt}=(\alpha -0)P=\alpha P.\) Thus, the population changes only due to births, resulting in exponential growth. Hence, \(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha P.\) Therefore, Option B is correct.
- Option A)
- \(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha\)
- Incorrect because the rate of change is proportional to the population \(P\), not just the constant birth rate.
- Option B)
- \(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha P\)
- Correct.
- Setting \(\beta =0\) directly simplifies the equation to
- \(\frac{dP}{dt}=\alpha P.\)
- Option C)
- \(\frac{dP}{dt}=-\beta P\)
- Incorrect because this represents only the effect of deaths, whereas births are being considered.
- Option D)
- \(\frac{dP}{dt}=P\)
- Incorrect because the birth-rate constant \(\alpha\) is omitted.
- This equation would be valid only if \(\alpha =1\).
Used
- Substitution into the Differential Equation
Application:
- 1. Write the given model:
- \(\frac{dP}{dt}=(\alpha -\beta )P.\)
- 1. Substitute the given condition:
- \(\beta =0.\)
- 1. Simplify the equation.
Mnemonic: "Remove Death → Only Birth Remains."
12 To solve the death rate model, the integration
\(\int \frac{1}{P} dP=\int k dt\)
is performed. What is the resulting integrated equation before removing the logarithm?
\(P=kt+c\)
\(logP=k+t+c\)
\(logP=kt+c\)
\(\frac{P^{2}}{2}=kt+c\)
After separating the variables, integrating both sides gives \(logP=kt+c.\) The logarithm is removed only after exponentiating both sides.
Given the differential equation \(\frac{dP}{dt}=kP,\) separate the variables: \(\frac{1}{P} dP=k dt.\) Integrate both sides: \(\int \frac{1}{P} dP=\int k dt.\) Using the standard integration formulas, \(log∣P∣=kt+c.\) Since population \(P>0\), \(logP=kt+c.\) This is the required equation before removing the logarithm. Hence, Option C is correct.
- Option A)
- \(P=kt+c\)
- Incorrect because integrating
- \(\frac{1}{P}\)
- produces a logarithmic function, not a linear function.
- Option B)
- \(logP=k+t+c\)
- Incorrect because
- \(\int k dt=kt+c,\)
- not \(k+t+c\).
- Option C)
- \(logP=kt+c\)
- Correct.
- This is the standard result obtained after integrating both sides.
- Option D)
- \(\frac{P^{2}}{2}=kt+c\)
- Incorrect because
- \(\int \frac{1}{P} dP\)
- does not equal
- \(\frac{P^{2}}{2}.\)
- That result comes from integrating \(P dP\).
Used
- Separation of Variables
Application:
- 1. Separate the variables:
- \(\frac{1}{P} dP=k dt.\)
- 1. Integrate both sides.
- 2. Apply the standard integral:
- \(\int \frac{1}{P} dP=log∣P∣.\)
- 1. Obtain the integrated equation before exponentiating.
Mnemonic: "Log First, Exponential Next."
13 The bacteria grew from 10,000 to 40,000 at 5 hours. What was the exact mathematical value found for \(e^{2k}\) ?
Ratio method Exponential growth Solve using division
40,000 / 10,000 = 4 = e^(2k), so e^(2k) = 4.
- A → incorrect ratio
- C → unrelated scale
- D → initial value confusion
Ratio comparison
Final Logic: final/initial = e^(kt)
"4× growth → e²k = 4"
14 Based on the initial population calculation in Example 13, if
\(\lambda e^{3k}=10,000\)
and
\(e^{k}=2,\)
what is the calculated value of the initial population \(\lambda\)?
\(2500\)
\(5000\)
\(1250\)
\(1000\)
Use the law of exponents to evaluate \(e^{3k}\), then substitute its value into the given equation and solve for \(\lambda\).
Given, \(\lambda e^{3k}=10,000\) and \(e^{k}=2.\) Step 1: Evaluate \(e^{3k}\) Using the law of exponents, \(e^{3k}=(e^{k})^{3}=2^{3}=8.\) Step 2: Substitute into the given equation \(\lambda \times 8=10,000.\) Step 3: Solve for \(\lambda\) \(\lambda =\frac{10,000}{8}=1250.\) Therefore, the initial population is \(\lambda =1250.\) Hence, Option C is correct.
- Option A) 2500
- Incorrect because
- \(2500\times 8=20,000\neq 10,000.\)
- Option B) 5000
- Incorrect because
- \(5000\times 8=40,000\neq 10,000.\)
- Option C) 1250
- Correct.
- Since
- \(1250\times 8=10,000,\)
- it satisfies the given equation.
- Option D) 1000
- Incorrect because
- \(1000\times 8=8000\neq 10,000.\)
Used
- Substitution and Exponent Law
Application:
- 1. Use the exponent rule:
- \(e^{3k}=(e^{k})^{3}.\)
- 1. Substitute the given value of \(e^{k}\).
- 2. Solve the resulting linear equation for \(\lambda\).
Mnemonic: "Cube the exponential, then divide."
15 Ms. Rajni deposits Rs. 10,000 at 4% continuous compound interest. The formula evaluated to find the amount after 10 years is:
\(10000\times e^{0.04}\)
\(10000\times e^{0.4}\)
\(10000\times e^{4}\)
\(10000\times e^{40}\)
Substituting \(P=10000\), \(r=0.04\), and \(t=10\), \(A=10000e^{0.04\times 10}=10000e^{0.4}.\)Correct Answer Explanation The continuous compounding formula is \(A=Pe^{rt},\) where: \(P=10000\)(Principal) \(r=0.04\)(4% per annum) \(t=10\) years Substituting, \(A=10000e^{0.04\times 10}=10000e^{0.4}.\) Hence, the amount after 10 years is \(10000e^{0.4}.\) Therefore, Option B is correct.
- Option A)
- \(10000e^{0.04}\)
- Incorrect because it considers only 1 year instead of 10 years.
- Option B)
- \(10000e^{0.4}\)
- Correct.
- Since
- \(rt=0.04\times 10=0.4,\)
- this is the correct expression.
- Option C)
- \(10000e^{4}\)
- Incorrect because the exponent should be 0.4, not 4.
- Option D)
- \(10000e^{40}\)
- Incorrect because
- \(0.04\times 10=0.4,\)
- not 40.
Used
- Apply the Continuous Compound Interest Formula
Application:
- 1. Identify the values of \(P\), \(r\), and \(t\).
- 2. Use the formula
- \(A=Pe^{rt}.\)
- 1. Calculate the exponent \(rt\).
- 2. Substitute the values to obtain the required expression.
Simple Interest: \(P(1+rt)\)
16 To find the doubling time of the money, the equation simplifies to
\(0.04t=ln2.\)
What is the approximate numerical value of
\(\ln\,2\)
used to solve for \(t\)?
The natural logarithm of 2 is approximately \(ln2\approx 0.6931.\) This value is commonly used to calculate the doubling time in exponential growth and continuous compound interest problems.
To find the doubling time, we use \(0.04t=ln2.\) The standard approximation is \(ln2\approx 0.6931.\) Therefore, \(t=\frac{0.6931}{0.04}\approx 17.33 years.\) Hence, the numerical value used is \(0.6931.\) Therefore, Option B is correct.
- Option A) 0.3010
- Incorrect because 0.3010 is approximately
- \({log}_{10}2,\)
- the common (base-10) logarithm, not the natural logarithm.
- Option B) 0.6931
- Correct.
- This is the approximate value of
- \(ln2,\)
- which is used in exponential growth and continuous compounding.
- Option C) 2.718
- Incorrect because 2.718 is the approximate value of Euler's number,
- \(e,\)
- not \(\ln\,2\).
- Option D) 1.414
- Incorrect because 1.414 is approximately
- \(\sqrt{2},\)
- not \(\ln\,2\).
Used
- Use Standard Mathematical Constants
Application:
- 1. Recognize the equation
- \(0.04t=ln2.\)
- 1. Recall the standard approximation
- \(ln2\approx 0.6931.\)
- 1. Substitute this value to compute the doubling time.
"Natural Log of 2 → 0.693."
17 The solution to the cooling process differential equation
\(\frac{dT}{dt}=-k(T-A)\)
integrates to
\(log(T-A)=-kt+c.\)
What does \(c\) represent when converted to the exponential form
\(T-A=\lambda e^{-kt}?\)
\(c=\lambda\)
\(e^{c}=\lambda\)
\(lnc=\lambda\)
\(-k=\lambda\)
After integrating, exponentiating both sides converts the additive constant \(c\) into a multiplicative constant. Thus, \(e^{c}\) is replaced by a new arbitrary constant \(\lambda\).
Given, \(log(T-A)=-kt+c.\) Step 1: Exponentiate both sides \(e^{log(T-A)}=e^{-kt+c}.\) Using the exponential law, \(e^{a+b}=e^{a}⋅e^{b},\) we get \(T-A=e^{-kt}e^{c}.\) Step 2: Replace the constant Since \(e^{c}\)is also an arbitrary positive constant, let \(\lambda =e^{c}.\) Therefore, \(T-A=\lambda e^{-kt}.\) Hence, \(\lambda =e^{c}.\) Thus, Option B is correct
- Option A)
- \(c=\lambda\)
- Incorrect because the arbitrary constant is transformed after exponentiation.
- The correct relation is
- \(\lambda =e^{c},\)
- not \(\lambda =c\).
- Option B)
- \(e^{c}=\lambda\)
- Correct.
- Exponentiating the integration constant converts it into the multiplicative constant \(\lambda\).
- Option C)
- \(lnc=\lambda\)
- Incorrect because no logarithm of the constant is taken during the derivation.
- Option D)
- \(-k=\lambda\)
- Incorrect because \(k\) is the cooling constant, whereas \(\lambda\) is the arbitrary constant determined by the initial condition.
Used
- Exponentiation After Integration
Application:
- 1. Integrate the separated differential equation.
- 2. Exponentiate both sides.
- 3. Use the identity
- \(e^{a+b}=e^{a}e^{b}.\)
- 1. Replace \(e^{c}\)with a new arbitrary constant.
Mnemonic: "After taking \(e\), \(c\) becomes \(e^{c}\)."
18 A cake cools from 185°F to 150°F in 30 minutes in a 75°F room. What is the value of λ derived from the initial conditions at t=0? :
λ = initial excess temperature Subtract surrounding temp Use initial condition
λ = T(0) − A = 185 − 75 = 110
- A → raw temperature
- B → ambient temp
- D → final temp
- Initial condition substitution
Final Logic: difference at t = 0
"Start minus surround"
19 (Passage-Based)
Utilizing the half-life concept from the passage, substituting
\(t=5700\)
and
\(x=\frac{x_{0}}{2}\)
into
\(x=x_{0}e^{-k_{1}t}\)
results in which exact equation?
\(e^{-5700k_{1}}=2\)
\(e^{-5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}\)
\(e^{5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}\)
\(e^{-k_{1}}=\frac{2}{5700}\)
Substituting the half-life values into the exponential decay equation and cancelling the initial amount \(x_{0}\)gives \(e^{-5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}.\)
Given, \(x=x_{0}e^{-k_{1}t}.\) At half-life, \(t=5700,x=\frac{x_{0}}{2}.\) Substitute these values: \(\frac{x_{0}}{2}=x_{0}e^{-5700k_{1}}.\) Divide both sides by \(x_{0}\): \(e^{-5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}.\) Hence, Option B is correct.
- Option A)
- \(e^{-5700k_{1}}=2\)
- Incorrect because radioactive decay decreases the quantity, so the exponential term must be less than 1.
- Option B)
- \(e^{-5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}\)
- Correct.
- This follows directly from the half-life condition.
- Option C)
- \(e^{5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}\)
- Incorrect because the exponent should be negative in the decay model.
- Option D)
- \(e^{-k_{1}}=\frac{2}{5700}\)
- Incorrect because this equation is not obtained by substituting the half-life values.
Used
- Substitution into the Exponential Decay Model
Application:
- 1. Write the decay equation.
- 2. Substitute the half-life values.
- 3. Cancel the common factor \(x_{0}\).
- 4. Simplify to obtain the required equation.
\(e^{-kt}=\frac{1}{2}.\)
20 (Passage-Based)
The mathematical model for exponential growth or decay is given by
\(\frac{df}{dt}=kf(t)\)
or
\(\frac{dy}{dt}=ky.\)
For carbon dating, Carbon-14 decays exponentially with a half-life of 5700 years. If \(x\) is the mass of Carbon-14 remaining after \(t\) years, the differential equation is
\(\frac{dx}{dt}=-k_{1}x,\)
whose general solution is
\(x=x_{0}e^{-k_{1}t},\)
where \(x_{0}\)is the initial amount of Carbon-14. The half-life principle states that after 5700 years, only half of the original Carbon-14 remains. Thus,
\(t=5700,x=\frac{x_{0}}{2}.\)
Substituting these values into the exponential solution gives
\(\frac{x_{0}}{2}=x_{0}e^{-5700k_{1}},\)
which simplifies to
\(e^{-5700k_{1}}=\frac{1}{2}.\)
This equation is used to determine the decay constant \(k_{1}\). Once the decay constant is known, scientists can estimate the age of archaeological samples by measuring the remaining Carbon-14
If charcoal from an ancient pit contained only one-fourth \(\left(1/4\right)\)of the Carbon-14 found in a living sample, what is its estimated age?
One-fourth of the original Carbon-14 means two half-lives have passed. Since each half-life is 5700 years, the estimated age is \(2\times 5700=11400 years.\)
Carbon-14 has a half-life of \(5700 years.\) After one half-life: \(x=\frac{x_{0}}{2}.\) After two half-lives: \(x=\frac{x_{0}}{4}.\) Since the charcoal contains \(\frac{1}{4}\) of the original Carbon-14, \(Age=2\times 5700=11400 years.\) Thus, \(11400 years.\) Hence, Option B is correct.
- Option A) 5700 years
- Incorrect because one half-life leaves
- \(\frac{1}{2}\)
- of the original Carbon-14, not
- \(\frac{1}{4}.\)
- Option B) 11400 years
- Correct.
- Two half-lives produce
- \(\frac{1}{4}\)
- of the original Carbon-14.
- Option C) 17100 years
- Incorrect because three half-lives leave
- \(\frac{1}{8}\)
- of the original Carbon-14.
- Option D) 2850 years
- Incorrect because 2850 years is only half of one half-life.
Used
- Half-Life Counting
Application:
- 1. Determine the remaining fraction.
- 2. Count the number of half-lives.
- 3. Multiply by 5700 years.
Mnemonic: "Every Half-Life Halves Again."
