Answer:
The exponential function reaches half of its original amount after 4.08 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
given information:
decay rate, λ = 17% = 0.17
reaches half of its original amount, N = 1/2 N₀
to calculate the time of decay, we can use the following formula
N = N₀e^(-λt)
where
N = the amount left after the decay
N₀ = initial amount
λ = decay rate
t = time
thus,
N = N₀e^(-λt)
1/2 N₀ = N₀ e^(-0.17t)
1/2 = e^(-0.17t)
ln (1/2) = -0.17t
t = 4.08 hours