-If 30 percent of the carbon-14 atoms remain in a sample, how long ago did the organism die? -Is Carbon-14 the only isotope that is used to date fossils? If not give an example of another isotope used.

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-If 30 percent of the carbon-14 atoms remain in a sample, how long ago did the organism die?

-Is Carbon-14 the only isotope that is used to date fossils? If not give an example of another isotope used.

### Decay of Carbon-14

This graph illustrates the decay of Carbon-14 over time, a concept essential to radiocarbon dating. Radiocarbon dating is used to determine the age of ancient objects by measuring the amount of Carbon-14 remaining in them.

**Graph Explanation:**

- **Y-axis (% Carbon-14 atoms remaining):** This vertical axis measures the percentage of Carbon-14 atoms remaining in a sample over time. It ranges from 0% to 100%.

- **X-axis (Age of sample in years):** The horizontal axis represents the age of the sample in years. It spans from 0 years to 50,000 years. 

As seen in the graph, the percentage of remaining Carbon-14 atoms decreases exponentially with time. 

1. **Initial Stage:** At the beginning (0 years), the sample contains 100% of its original Carbon-14 atoms. 
2. **First 10,000 years:** Over the first 10,000 years, the amount decreases significantly.
3. **20,000 - 30,000 years:** From about 20,000 to 30,000 years, the percentage continues to drop, reaching approximately 15% of the original amount.
4. **Beyond 30,000 years:** After 30,000 years, the decay continues but slows down as it approaches near 0% around 50,000 years.
  
The graph's shape is characteristic of radioactive decay, which follows a predictable, exponential pattern. This predictable decay rate allows scientists to estimate the age of archeological samples and organic remains accurately.
Transcribed Image Text:### Decay of Carbon-14 This graph illustrates the decay of Carbon-14 over time, a concept essential to radiocarbon dating. Radiocarbon dating is used to determine the age of ancient objects by measuring the amount of Carbon-14 remaining in them. **Graph Explanation:** - **Y-axis (% Carbon-14 atoms remaining):** This vertical axis measures the percentage of Carbon-14 atoms remaining in a sample over time. It ranges from 0% to 100%. - **X-axis (Age of sample in years):** The horizontal axis represents the age of the sample in years. It spans from 0 years to 50,000 years. As seen in the graph, the percentage of remaining Carbon-14 atoms decreases exponentially with time. 1. **Initial Stage:** At the beginning (0 years), the sample contains 100% of its original Carbon-14 atoms. 2. **First 10,000 years:** Over the first 10,000 years, the amount decreases significantly. 3. **20,000 - 30,000 years:** From about 20,000 to 30,000 years, the percentage continues to drop, reaching approximately 15% of the original amount. 4. **Beyond 30,000 years:** After 30,000 years, the decay continues but slows down as it approaches near 0% around 50,000 years. The graph's shape is characteristic of radioactive decay, which follows a predictable, exponential pattern. This predictable decay rate allows scientists to estimate the age of archeological samples and organic remains accurately.
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