If a tree dies and the trunk remains undisturbed for 13,261 years, what percentage of original ^14C is still present? (half-life of ^14C = 5730 years) % ^14C remaining _____
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Answer
time = 13261 years
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Question & Answer: If a tree dies and the trunk remains undisturbed for 13,261 years, what percentage of original…..
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find % of C14 still present
so
the half life equation for decay:
Cfinal = Cinitial * (1/2) * (time / Half life)
the half life = 5730 years, the time = 13261 years
assume Cfinal /Cinitial is the fraction
so
Cfinal/Cinitial = * (1/2) ^ (time / Half life)
Cfinal/Cinitial = (1/2) ^ (13261/5730)
Cfinal/Cinitial =0.20105
then, only 0.201 fraciton is lefft, which is equivalent to 20.1 %
remainig C14% = 20.1 %