This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer
« previous next »

Author Question: Describe how the carbon-14 dating technique works. What will be an ideal ... (Read 31 times)

Starlight

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 567
on: Jul 15, 2018
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
Reply #1 on: Jul 15, 2018
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
:D TYSM

essyface1

  • Member
  • Posts: 347
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Gracias!

« previous next »
 

Did you know?

The types of cancer that alpha interferons are used to treat include hairy cell leukemia, melanoma, follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Did you know?

Although not all of the following muscle groups are commonly used, intramuscular injections may be given into the abdominals, biceps, calves, deltoids, gluteals, laterals, pectorals, quadriceps, trapezoids, and triceps.

Did you know?

It is believed that the Incas used anesthesia. Evidence supports the theory that shamans chewed cocoa leaves and drilled holes into the heads of patients (letting evil spirits escape), spitting into the wounds they made. The mixture of cocaine, saliva, and resin numbed the site enough to allow hours of drilling.

Did you know?

When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.

Did you know?

To combat osteoporosis, changes in lifestyle and diet are recommended. At-risk patients should include 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium daily either via dietary means or with supplements.

Carbon Isotope ratio Carbon Isotope ratio
Stable isotopes of carbon Stable isotopes of carbon
The growing demand for electrical power, carbon sequestration and storage must be a priority The growing demand for electrical power, carbon sequestration and storage must be a priority
Describe the development of atherosclerosis, including its role in the risk of heart disease Describe the development of atherosclerosis, including its role in the risk of heart disease
In the reaction C(s) + O2(g) CO2(g) carbon is __________. In the reaction C(s) + O2(g) CO2(g) carbon is __________.
Describe the Conceptual Forecasting Framework in your own words. Describe the Conceptual Forecasting Framework in your own words.
Video: Stages of Mitosis - Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase & Telophase

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library