In 1994, rock climbers in southern France stumbled on a cave containing prehisto

Question

In 1994, rock climbers in southern France stumbled on a cave containing prehistoric cave paintings. AC^14 analysis carried out by French archaeologist Helene Valladas showed that the paintings are between 29,700 and 32,400 years old, much older than any previously known human art. Given that the C^14 to C^12 ratio of the atmosphere is R = 10^-12, what C^14 to C^12 ratio did Valladas find in the charcoal specimen dated to 30500 years? Times 10^-14 You may find this formula helpful: Ratio of C^14 to C^12 after t years = R atme^0.00012t.

Explanation / Answer

Given,

ratio of the atmosphere R = 10^(-12)

using the given formula ,ratio of C^14 to C^12 after t years = Ratme^-0.000121t

and the radio range is FORM

P = 10^(-12)* e^(-0.000121*32400)

   = 1.98*10^(-14)

TO

P = R*e^(-0.000121*29700)

= 2.75*10^(-14)

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