The half-life of radioactive carbon-14 is 5730 years.If the ¹⁴C level in a sample of organic matter has been reduced to 0.200% of its original value,approximately how much time has passed? Radioactive decay follows first-order kinetics.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay of carbon-14 follows first-order kinetics, and the formula for first-order decay is N(t) = N0 * (1/2)^(t/T), where N(t) is the remaining quantity, N0 is the initial quantity, t is time, and T is the half-life. Solving for t when N(t)/N0 = 0.002 and T = 5730 years gives approximately 51,400 years.

The Half-Life of Radioactive Carbon-14 Is 5730 Years