Question

The ratio of 14 _C to 12_ C in living organisms is 1.3×10^−12. The fossilized remains of an organism are discovered and the ratio of 14_C to12_C in the fossil is measured to he 2.45×10^−13. How long ago, in years was the organism alive? (The half life of 14_C is 5,730 years.) Tries 0/20

Answer 1

The fossilized remains are 115,900 years old

This is found by using the half life (t1/2 ) of 14 C, which is 5730 years

t1/2=5730 years

The age (t) is given by the formula
t=t1/2 ×ln(Ao/A)

Where t is the age, t1/2 is the half life, and Ao and A are the starting and ending amount of 14 C.