After 5 hours: 500 × (0.85)^5 = 500 × 0.4437 = <<500*0.4437=221.85>>221.85 mg.

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:55:53 +0000

Converting Mass Loss Over Time: A Quick Example Using 500 × (0.85)^5 = 221.85 mg When tracking the gradual loss of a substance—whether in pharmaceuticals, food, or industrial applications—understanding exponential decay is essential. A practical illustration is calculating how much of a 500 mg compound remains after 5 hours, given a reduction rate of 15% per hour. Mathematically, this decay follows the formula:
Remaining mass = Initial mass × (decay factor)^time
In this case:
500 × (0.85)^5 Why 0.85?
Since the substance loses 15% each hour, it retains 85% of its mass each hour (100% – 15% = 85% = 0.85).