A sample of wood has been recovered by an archaeologist.The sample is sent to a laboratory,where it is determined that the activity of the sample is 0.144 Bq/g.By comparing this activity with the activity of living organic matter,which is 0.230 Bq/g,the scientist determines how old the wood sample is,or more precisely,when the tree that the sample came from died.Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5730 years.If the activity of living matter has been constant over time,how old is the sample of wood?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because:The age of the wood sample can be determined using the formula:Age = (ln(Activity of sample / Activity of living matter)) / (ln(0.5)) * Half-lifePlugging in the given values:Age = (ln(0.144 / 0.230)) / (ln(0.5)) * 5730 yearsAge = 3870 years

A Sample of Wood Has Been Recovered by an Archaeologist