Chapter 19, Problem 27A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The nuclide that is used in dating artifacts has to be given.

Concept introduction:A nuclide is a species of an atom characterized by a specific number of protons and neutrons.

Answer to Problem 27A

The nuclide that is used in dating artifacts is Carbon-14 $\left(C\right)\text{.}$

Explanation of Solution

A process for dating ancient articles made from wood or cloth is called as radiocarbon dating (or) carbon-14 dating. The nuclide that is used in dating artifacts is Carbon-14 $\left(C\right)\text{.}$

Radiocarbon dating is based on $C$ that decays by production of $\beta \text{-}$ particle.

  $C\to e+N$

When neutrons of high energy from space collide with nitrogen-14, carbon-14 is produced in the atmosphere.

  $N+n\to C+H$

The half-life of $\text{C}$ is $\text{5,730}$ years.

Carbon-14 could be used to date wood and cloth artifacts because carbon-14 along with other isotopes of carbons reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide.

The age of artifact could be determined by comparing the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in an artifact to the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in the organism today. Radiocarbon dating could be used to give the approximate age of wood, cloth, bone, charcoal and other substances, which comprises of carbon.

Conclusion

Carbon-14 is the nuclide that is used to dating of artifact because it cannot be replenished after the death of an organism.