Petroleum Is a Fossil Fuel Containing Many Different Carbon Compounds

question 51

Multiple Choice

Petroleum is a fossil fuel containing many different carbon compounds. If the carbon atoms in petroleum have been in the ground for 100 million years, what fraction of the initial ¹⁴C atoms is still there? (t_1/2 = 5730 yr)

• A) 0
• B) 1 × 10^-10
• C) 5.7 × 10^-5
• D) 1.0 × 10^-3
• E) 5.7 × 10^-1

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Definitions:

Andrew Jackson

The seventh President of the United States (1829–1837) known for his populist policies and for being the founder of the Democratic Party.

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An elected or appointed position within the government where individuals are chosen to represent, govern, or administrate public policy and services.

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The 16th President of the United States who served from 1861 to 1865 and led the country through the Civil War while abolishing slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.