Question

An organism that has been dead a very short time will contain a relatively large amount of _____. A. carbon-12 B. carbon-14 C. carbon-12 and carbon-14

Answer 1

Option (B)

Step-by-step explanation:

The Carbon-14 is one of the most unstable isotope element that is abundantly found in the body of a recently dead organism. It undergoes Beta-decay due to the presence of a higher number of neutrons in comparison to the protons and has a half-life of about 5700 years. The age of this recent fossil body containing a certain amount of Carbon-14 in their body can be determined by using the carbon dating method. It is very efficient for dating the fossils that are of a comparatively shorter age.

This Carbon-14 when complete decays, it changes into a more stable element known as the Nitrogen-14.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).