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an archaeologist in turkey discovers a spear head that contains 80% of its original amount of C-14. Find the age of the spear head to the nearest year.

User Darlyne
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2 Answers

2 votes

Hi!

As you know, the other person is very much incorrect, but I am here to help!

I have researched about original amounts of c-14, and know that it is very confusing and hard.

I am also currently taking this course, so I understand that it is frustrating.

The answer here is:

1847 years

Thank you!

God bless!

Good day/night!

User Peter Keller
by
5.5k points
2 votes

Answer:

The age of the spear head to the nearest year is 1845 years

Explanation:

We know that

half life time of C-14 is 5730 years

so, h=5730

we can use formula


P(t)=P_0((1)/(2))^{(t)/(h) }

now, we can plug value


P(t)=P_0((1)/(2))^{(t)/(5730) }

an archaeologist in turkey discovers a spear head that contains 80% of its original amount of C-14

so,


P(t)=0.80P_0

we can plug it


0.80P_0=P_0((1)/(2))^{(t)/(5730) }

now, we can solve for t


0.80=((1)/(2))^{(t)/(5730) }


\ln \left(0.8\right)=\ln \left(\left((1)/(2)\right)^{(t)/(5730)}\right)


t=-(5730\ln \left(0.8\right))/(\ln \left(2\right))


t=1844.647

So,

The age of the spear head to the nearest year is 1845 years

User Kalyan Solasa
by
5.2k points