Tests of an artifact discovered at the Debert site in Nova Scotia show that 25% of the original ¹⁴ C is still present. What is the probable age of the artifact? (Use r = -1.20968 ´ 10^-4 ) A) 4,977 yr old B) 11,460 yr old C) 10,487 yr old D) 11,082 yr old E) 10,931 yr old

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The age of the artifact can be calculated using the formula for radioactive decay: $ t = \frac{\ln(\frac{N}{N_0})}{r} $, where $N/N_0$ is the fraction of the original substance remaining, and $r$ is the decay constant. Given that 25% (or 0.25) of the original $^{14}C$ is still present and $r = -1.20968 \times 10^{-4}$, substituting these values into the formula gives an age of approximately 11,460 years, making option B the correct answer.

Tests of an Artifact Discovered at the Debert Site in Nova