Modern in-air nuclear bomb tests have created an extra high level of ${ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }$ in our atmosphere. If future archaeologists date samples from this era, without knowing of this testing, will their carbon-14 dates be too young, too old, or correct? If correct, why?
A) Too young.
B) Correct, since ${ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }$ from bomb tests is different from that produced naturally.
C) Correct, because modern biological materials do not gather ${ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }$ from bomb tests.
D) Too old.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increased levels of ${ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }$ due to nuclear bomb tests would lead to a higher initial ${ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }$ content in organisms from this era. When future archaeologists date these samples, the elevated starting levels would make the samples appear younger than their actual age, as it would seem that less ${ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }$ had decayed than would be expected for their true age.

Modern In-Air Nuclear Bomb Tests Have Created an Extra High 14C{ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }14C

Modern In-Air Nuclear Bomb Tests Have Created an Extra High ${ } ^ { 14 } \mathrm { C }$