Scientists can determine the age of ancient objects by the method of radiocarbon dating. The bombardment of the upper atmosphere by cosmic rays converts nitrogen to a radioactive isotope of carbon, 14C, with a half-life of about 5730 years. Vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide through the atmosphere and animal life assimilates 14C through food chains. When a plant or animal dies, it stops replacing its carbon and the amount f 14C begins to decrease through radioactive decay. Therefore the level of radioactivity must also decay exponentially. A parchment fragment was discovered that had about 74% as much 14C radioactivity as does plant material on earth today. Estimate the age of the parchment. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.) yr Need Help? Watch It Additional Materials eBook

Scientists can determine the age of ancient objects by the method of radiocarbon dating. The bombardment of the upper atmosphere by cosmic rays converts nitrogen to a radioactive isotope of carbon, 14C, with a half-life of about 5730 years. Vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide through the atmosphere and animal life assimilates 14C through food chains. When a plant or animal dies, it stops replacing its carbon and the amount f 14C begins to decrease through radioactive decay. Therefore the level of radioactivity must also decay exponentially. A parchment fragment was discovered that had about 74% as much 14C radioactivity as does plant material on earth today. Estimate the age of the parchment. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.) yr Need Help? Watch It Additional Materials eBook

Chemistry

10th Edition

ISBN:9781305957404

Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Chapter1: Chemical Foundations

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...

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