Description: Exponential decay is a mathematical phenomenon that describes a decrease that follows an exponential function. In simple terms, this means that the quantity decreases at a rate that is proportional to its current value. As time progresses, the rate of decrease becomes slower, resulting in a curve that approaches the horizontal axis but never touches it. This behavior is characteristic of many natural processes, such as radioactive decay, light absorption in materials, and population decline under certain conditions. Exponential decay can be mathematically represented by the formula N(t) = N0 * e^(-λt), where N(t) is the quantity at time t, N0 is the initial quantity, λ is the decay constant, and e is the base of the natural logarithm. This relationship allows for modeling and predicting the behavior of systems that experience a continuous decrease proportional to their size. In the realm of data analysis and visualization, tools such as various programming languages and libraries enable the plotting of these functions, facilitating the understanding of how systems behave over time and providing a clear visual representation of this mathematical phenomenon.
