The specific activity of ¹⁴C in the biosphere is 0.255 Bq·g^-¹with a half life of 5730 years. What is the age of a piece of Egyptian papyrus that has a specific activity of 0.156 Bq·g^-¹?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The age of the papyrus can be calculated using the formula for radioactive decay: N(t) = N0 * (1/2)^(t/T), where N(t) is the current specific activity, N0 is the initial specific activity, t is the time elapsed, and T is the half-life. Solving for t gives approximately 4060 years.

The Specific Activity of 14C in the Biosphere Is 0

The Specific Activity of ¹⁴C in the Biosphere Is 0