Chapter 19.5, Problem 4PE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The age of papyrus for the given ratio of $\text{carbon}-14:\text{carbon}-12$ compared to its initial ratio is to be calculated.

Concept introduction: The time taken for decay is calculated by the formula,

$\text{Time}=-\frac{\text{Half}\text{life}}{0.693}\times \ln \frac{\text{Final}\text{amount}}{\text{Initial}\text{amount}}$

To determine: The age of papyrus for the given ratio of $\text{carbon}-14:\text{carbon}-12$.