Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) has a half-life of approximately 6000 years. A researcher investigating a piece of ancient wood determines that there is only 1/4 as much ¹⁴C present in the wood now as there was when the tree that the wood came from was alive. How old is the piece of wood? A) 12,000 years B) The age cannot be determined from this information. C) 9000 years D) 24,000 years

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The piece of wood is 12,000 years old because the amount of Carbon-14 has halved twice (from 100% to 50% to 25%), and with each halving taking approximately 6000 years, two halvings equal 12,000 years.

Carbon-14 (14C) Has a Half-Life of Approximately 6000 Years

Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) Has a Half-Life of Approximately 6000 Years