Question

What is the rate constant for the radioactive decay of 14C?

a) 1.21×10−4year−1
b) 2.21×10−5month−1
c) 5.21×10 −6day−1
d) 8.21×10−3century−1

Answer 1

The rate constant for the radioactive decay of carbon-14 is 1.21 x 10^-4 year^-1, reflecting the constant decay rate at which carbon-14 turns into nitrogen and emits beta particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate constant for the radioactive decay of 14C, also known as carbon-14, is given as 1.21 x 10-4 year-1. This value represents the constant rate at which carbon-14 atoms will undergo radioactive decay, converting into nitrogen atoms and releasing beta particles in the process.

The equation illustrating this process is 14C → 14N + e-, where e- denotes the beta particle (electron) emitted during the decay.

The current half-life of carbon-14 is accepted to be 5,730 years. This signifies that after 5,730 years, exactly half of the initial amount of 14C will remain; after another 5,730 years (11,460 years total), only a quarter will be left, and the pattern continues.