The ratio of concentration of radioactive carbon 14 6 C (half life =5730 years)

Question

The ratio of concentration of radioactive carbon 146C (half life =5730 years) to the concentration of common non-radioactive 146C is constant in all living thing organisms (due to te contant change y carbon with the environment) and is about 10-12. Due to this the specific activity of 146C in living tissue is also constant and is equal to 0.227 Bq per gram of carbon. A sample of bone dug out of ancient battlefield forund was found to have the activity 0.031 Bk per gram of carbon. How old is the bone?

Explanation / Answer

Ao = 0.227

A = 0.031

T = half life = 5730

A = Ao (1/2)t/T

0.031 = (0.227) (1/2)t/5730

t = 16458.6 yrs

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