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Discuss Rocmike3's answer to: Mathematics needs constants to the variables. Why?

Mathematics needs constants to the variables. Why?

Matrices and quadratics are only two of the umpteen ways we work multiple variables against each other, never the need for a constant value. Here is a typical problem (simplified greatly).

We have four containers of unknown radionuclides, which means we have unknown half-life, radiation products, and rate of decay. We work from sealed vials, because we must determine the contents before we open these ghastly things with the hands: unexcited radiation is not as dangerous as a "flash." Even a well-designed glove box will not protect us from a flash. So, suit up, put your hands in the gloves, and get busy.

The vials are depleted /92/U\238 and weigh 1 Kg, with an interior volume of 750 ML. They present the interior contents with a radiation shield equivalent to nine feet of steel plate.

Vial 1 emits 22.4 R/H. (Roentgens per hour) 3 hours later, it still emits 22.4 R/H.

Vial 2 emits 180 R/H. 3 hours later, it emits 90 R/H.

Vial 3 emits 27 R/H. 3 hours later, it emits 25 R/H.

Vial 4 emits 10 R/H. 3 hours later, it emits 9.75 R/H.

Note that we have four variables. Because the constants all factor out, we now have a workable equation and can predict the radioactive decay.

Vial 1 emits 22.4 R/H. 3 hours later, it still emits 22.4 R/H. We have a long-term half life. We now weigh the vial. 34.25 KG. What are the isotopes and percentages?

We compare its radioactive decay profile to 95/Am\243, 78%, 90/Th\235 19%, and 2/He\4 3%.

The variables now include their present rate of decay and the base refined element that has degenerated. Without going through all the math, we find that the sample was 94/Pu\239, pulled out of a breeder reactor about 45 years ago.

Now, it is your turn. Describe the contents of Vial 2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_decay

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_matrix

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynomials

Posted 2 years ago
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Even light will bend to do our bidding if we apply force correctly. The lowest servant in Heaven is still in Heaven, whoever rules in hell is still in hell, but they won't rule for long. No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a little child.

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JVH Thinks this answer is Not Helpful:

Don't put yourself down. He has said you and I are the same person. What an incredible complement that is for you!!!! lol

Chris Thinks this answer is Helpful:

I have a confession to make...JVH you are me and I am you. We can't continue this charade any longer. The world needs to know. Our real name is Cybil, and there's seven of us.

JVH Thinks this answer is Not Helpful:

I am making an appointment right now to help cure my multiple personality disorder.....

People often accuse others what they are themselves guilty of, especially if the accusation is so emphatic like theirs is. I would not be surprised if he types some math jumbo from wikipedia and then praises himself with other screen names.

I am not much of a math guy, but my best friend is a professor and teaches Calculus along with a long resume of engineering jobs. He assures me this guy is a complete and total phony that would not get 5 seconds with someone with a real math background.

In any event, I was just kidding when I typed a post wondering how long it would be before he claimed a prominent role with the reactor problem in Japan. i was laughing very hard when I found him doing just that. Never seen someone in a long time that was in so bad a need to feel intelligent and imporant. He must have had a great deal of failures and setbacks in life just destroying his ego. How sad.