A radioactive substance decays at a rate of 12% per year. If the initial mass is 100 grams, what remains after 5 years?

Tue, 05 May 2026 03:14:27 +0000

**Understanding How Radioactive Decay Shapes Science, Safety, and Future Thinking** Ever wonder what happens to matter when nature gradually breaks it down—like a clock ticking in the invisible realm of atoms? One key process to explore is radioactive decay—the natural slowdown in radioactivity over time. If you’ve seen the figure: a substance decaying at 12% per year from an initial 100 grams, how much remains after 5 years? This question is more than a math problem—it’s a gateway to understanding long-term material behavior, safety protocols, and real-world applications. ### Why A radioactive substance decays at a rate of 12% per year. If the initial mass is 100 grams, what remains after 5 years? Is gaining attention across science and technology discussions Radioactive decay is a scientifically proven process where unstable atomic nuclei slowly lose energy and transform into different elements. Measured in half-lives or decay percentages, this 12% annual decay means roughly 12% of the original mass transforms each year—making it a steady, predictable change. The calculation for 5 years isn’t guesswork; it’s a precise application of exponential decay, revealing how small annual losses compound over time. While 12% per year isn’t a standard half-life value, it reflects a deliberate decay rate seen in certain isotopes used in medicine, energy, and research. The growing interest stems from its role in nuclear science, environmental monitoring, and waste management—areas increasingly relevant in U.S. innovation and safety planning.