An ecologist investigated the rate of decomposition of oak leaf litter (Quercus robur) at different soil temperatures. Table 1 shows the results of this investigation after a period of 45 days.
Table 1
| Temperature (°C) | Mass of leaf litter at start (g) | Mass of leaf litter after 45 days (g) | Decrease in mass (g) | Percentage decrease in mass (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.5 | 7.9 | 0.6 | 7.1 |
| 20 | 8.2 | 6.8 | 1.4 | 17 |
| 30 | 8.8 | 5.2 | 3.6 | 41 |
| 40 | 8.4 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 49 |
| 50 | 8.6 | 6.2 | 2.4 | ? |
| 60 | 8.1 | 7.8 | 0.3 | 3.7 |
Calculate the percentage decrease in mass for the leaf litter incubated at 50 °C.
Give your answer to two significant figures.
