Be sure to answer all parts. The carbon14 decay rate of a sample obtained from a

Question

Be sure to answer all parts. The carbon14 decay rate of a sample obtained from a young tree is 0.430 disintegration per second per gram of the sample. Another wood sample prepared from an object recovered at an archaeological excavation gives a decay rate of 0.182 disintegration per second per gram of the sample. What is the age of the object? Hint: The rate constant for carbon14 decomposition is 1.21 × 104 yr1. Report your answer to 3 significant figures.

(Enter your answer in scientific notation.)

Explanation / Answer

1) Determine decimal fraction of C-14 remaining:

0.182 / 0.430 = 0.4232558

2) Determine how many half-lives have elapsed:

(1/2)n = 0.4232558

n log 0.5 = log 0.368243

n = 1.24039

3) Determine length of time elapsed:

5730 yr x 1.24039 = 7107.48 yr

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