Comparing Models

Radioactive decay follows a constant rate: during equal time intervals, the number of atoms changes by a fixed proportion{.red} (e.g. 50%). This gives rise to an exponential model{.red}, either exponential growth or exponential decay.

Exponential models are very different from linear models{.blue}, where the value changes by a fixed value{.blue} during equal time intervals.

diagram {.todo}

Here are a few examples of processes in nature or everyday life. Try to decide which ones are exponential or linear. (Note that some models are increasing, and others are decreasing.)

cell division

interest

speed of computers, Moore's Law