The half- life of carbon- 14 is about 6000 years. Assume that a sample of charcoal formed by burning of living wood 15,000 years ago. How much of the original carbon- 14 would remain today?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After 6000 years, half of the carbon-14 in the sample would decay, leaving 50% remaining. After another 6000 years, half of the remaining carbon-14 would decay, leaving 25% remaining. After a total of 15,000 years, three half-lives have occurred and only 12.5% (25% divided by 2 three times) of the original carbon-14 would remain. Therefore, the best choice is option C, between 12.5% and 25%.

The Half- Life of Carbon- 14 Is About 6000 Years