Step 1 :In a nuclear disaster, there are multiple dangerous radioactive isotopes that can be detected. If 93.6% of a particular isotope emitted during a disaster was still present 6 years after the disaster, we are asked to find the continuous compound rate of decay of this isotope.
Step 2 :The continuous compound rate of decay of this isotope can be calculated using the formula for continuous compound interest, which is \(A = P * e^{rt}\), where \(A\) is the final amount, \(P\) is the initial amount, \(r\) is the rate of decay, and \(t\) is the time.
Step 3 :In this case, we know that \(A\) is 93.6% of \(P\) (since 93.6% of the isotope is still present), and \(t\) is 6 years. We can rearrange the formula to solve for \(r\): \(r = \ln(A/P) / t\).
Step 4 :Substituting the given values into the formula, we get \(A = 93.6\), \(P = 100\), and \(t = 6\).
Step 5 :Solving for \(r\), we get \(r = -1.10233\).
Step 6 :The rate of decay calculated is negative, which makes sense because the isotope is decaying over time, not growing. The rate of decay is approximately -1.10233% per year.
Step 7 :Final Answer: The continuous compound rate of decay of this isotope is approximately \(\boxed{-1.10233\%}\) per year.