Devise an exponential decay function that fits the given data, then answer the accompanying questions. Be sure to identify the reference point (t = 0) and units of t.
The pressure of a certain planet's atmosphere at sea level is approximately 900 millibars and decreases exponentially with elevation. At an elevation of 35,000 ft, the pressure is one-third of the sea-level pressure. At what elevation is the pressure half of the sea-level pressure? At what elevation is it 3% of the sea-level pressure?
What is the reference point (t = 0)?
A. 3% of the sea-level pressure
B. the pressure at sea level, 900 millibars
C. the elevation, 35,000 ft
D. the elevation at sea level, 0 ft
What are the units of t?
A. millibars
B. pressure levels
C. feet
At what elevation is the pressure half of the sea-level pressure?
feet
(Do not round until the final answer. Then round to the nearest whole number as needed.)