This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe how the carbon-14 dating technique works. What will be an ideal ... (Read 61 times)

Starlight

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 567
Describe how the carbon-14 dating technique works. What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is carbon-14 dating useful for in terms of age and type of sample? What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

kaykay69

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 322
Answer to Question 1

Carbon 14 is constantly formed in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays strike the upper atmosphere
gases, splitting their neutrons into protons and neutrons. A neutron strikes the nucleus of a nitrogen
atom, and is absorbed; a proton is emitted. The atom has now become carbon 14, which is rapidly
assimilated into the carbon cycle, along with carbon 12 and 13, and absorbed by all living organisms.
When an organism dies, carbon 14 is not replenished, and the ratio of carbon 14 to carbon 12
decreases as carbon 14 decays back to nitrogen by a single beta decay step.



Answer to Question 2

Carbon 14 has a half-life of 5,730 years when it decays to carbon 12. Its short half-life makes it useful
for specimens younger than 70,000 years, and it is generally used to date former living material.
Carbon 14 is useful in archeology and is crucial to understanding the events of the latter portion of the
Pleistocene Epoch.





Starlight

  • Member
  • Posts: 567
Reply 2 on: Jul 15, 2018
Great answer, keep it coming :)


Bigfoot1984

  • Member
  • Posts: 321
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
:D TYSM

 

Did you know?

Colchicine is a highly poisonous alkaloid originally extracted from a type of saffron plant that is used mainly to treat gout.

Did you know?

The liver is the only organ that has the ability to regenerate itself after certain types of damage. As much as 25% of the liver can be removed, and it will still regenerate back to its original shape and size. However, the liver cannot regenerate after severe damage caused by alcohol.

Did you know?

Most women experience menopause in their 50s. However, in 1994, an Italian woman gave birth to a baby boy when she was 61 years old.

Did you know?

A seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances you will get seasonal influenza and spread it to others.

Did you know?

According to research, pregnant women tend to eat more if carrying a baby boy. Male fetuses may secrete a chemical that stimulates their mothers to step up her energy intake.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library