How do you measure the rate of decay in a practical?

The rate of decay in a practical can be measured by monitoring the decrease in mass or volume over time.

In a practical experiment, the rate of decay is typically measured by observing the changes in the mass or volume of the decaying substance over a specific period of time. This is often done by setting up a controlled environment where the decay can occur, and then using precise instruments to measure the changes.

For example, if you are measuring the decay of a piece of fruit, you might weigh the fruit at regular intervals and record the changes in mass. This would give you a measure of how quickly the fruit is decaying. Similarly, if you are measuring the decay of a gas, you might use a gas syringe to measure the volume of the gas at regular intervals.

In some cases, you might also measure the rate of decay by observing changes in other properties of the decaying substance. For instance, you might measure the decrease in light intensity from a glowing substance, or the decrease in radioactivity from a radioactive substance.

It's important to note that the rate of decay can be influenced by various factors, such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of certain chemicals or microorganisms. Therefore, in a practical experiment, you would need to control these factors as much as possible to ensure that your measurements are accurate.

Finally, once you have collected your data, you would typically plot it on a graph to visualise the rate of decay. The steeper the slope of the graph, the faster the rate of decay. This visual representation can help you to understand and interpret your results more easily.