Question

Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon with a half-life of 5730 years. All living matter takes in carbon-14 during its lifetime as it naturally occurs. Upon death this uptake ceases, and levels of carbon14 decay. It is possible to compare the activity of a living sample of material with an ancient specimen and estimate its age. A fossil contains 50% of its original Carbon- 14 . How old is the fossil, in years to 3 d.p ?

Answer 1

The fossil is approximately 5730 years old, as it has undergone one half-life cycle of Carbon-14, which is known to be 5730 years.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fossil contains 50% of its original Carbon-14, which means it has undergone one half-life. Since the half-life of Carbon-14 is 5730 years, we can estimate that the fossil is approximately 5730 years old. This calculation is based on the principle of radioactive dating, specifically using carbon dating, where the decay of Carbon-14 to Nitrogen-14 is measured to determine the age of formerly living material.