1. What does it mean when something grows or decays exponentially? How is that different then rising or falling linearly?

I need it done by tomorrow. at least 150 words for both questions.

1. What does it mean when something grows or decays exponentially?  How is that different then rising or falling linearly?

2. Give an example of a real life application of exponential growth or decay.  Include the link to a website to show this.