Scientists use carbon dating to determine the age of fossils. 14C is a rare isotope of carbon that has a half life of 5730 years and decays into 14N. By measuring the amount of 14C remaining in a fossil, scientists can estimate when the organism died to within 60,000 years. The atomic numbers of C is 6 and of N is 7.
-The most common isotope of carbon is ¹²C.¹⁴C has ____ than ¹²C.

Question

Scientists use carbon dating to determine the age of fossils. 14C is a rare isotope of carbon that has a half life of 5730 years and decays into 14N. By measuring the amount of 14C remaining in a fossil, scientists can estimate when the organism died to within 60,000 years. The atomic numbers of C is 6 and of N is 7.
-The most common isotope of carbon is ¹²C.¹⁴C has ____ than ¹²C.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Higher mass number means that more neutrons are present, for isotopes of the same element.

Scientists Use Carbon Dating to Determine the Age of Fossils