exponential decay

**exponential decay**

Exponential decay refers to the process by which a quantity decreases at a rate proportional to its current value, resulting in a rapid drop that slows over time. This concept is commonly used in fields such as physics, biology, and finance to model phenomena like radioactive decay, population decline, and depreciation of assets. In mathematics, exponential decay is described by an exponential function with a negative exponent, illustrating how values diminish swiftly initially and then taper off gradually. Understanding exponential decay is essential for analyzing natural processes and making predictions based on decreasing trends.