Before 1900 the activity per unit mass of atmospheric carbon due to the presence of 14C averaged about 0.255 Bq per gram of carbon. (a) What fraction of carbon atoms were 14C? (b) In analyzing an archaeological specimen containing 500 mg of carbon, you observe 174 decays in one hour. What is the age of the specimen, assuming that its activity per unit mass of carbon when it died was that average value of the air?
Before 1900 the activity per unit mass of atmospheric carbon due to the presence of 14C averaged about 0.255 Bq per gram of carbon. (a) What fraction of carbon atoms were 14C? (b) In analyzing an archaeological specimen containing 500 mg of carbon, you observe 174 decays in one hour. What is the age of the specimen, assuming that its activity per unit mass of carbon when it died was that average value of the air?
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305580343
Author:Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Publisher:Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Chapter20: Nuclear Chemistry
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 20.20QP
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Before 1900 the activity per unit mass of atmospheric carbon due to the presence of 14C averaged about 0.255 Bq per gram of carbon. (a) What fraction of carbon atoms were 14C? (b) In analyzing an archaeological specimen containing 500 mg of carbon, you observe 174 decays in one hour. What is the age of the specimen, assuming that its activity per unit mass of carbon when it died was that average value of the air?
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