MCAT Physics Question 132: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 132

12. A graph of an exponential decay process is created. The y-axis is the natural logarithm of the ratio of the number of intact nuclei at a given time to the number of intact nuclei at time t = 0. The x-axis is time. What does the slope of such a graph represent?

A. λ
B. - λ
C. e^-λt
D.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The expression n = n₀e^?λt is equivalent to

Taking the natural logarithm of both sides, we get:

From this expression, it is clear that plotting ln

vs. t will give a straight line with a slope of ?λ.

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