Carbon-14 Has a Half-Life of 5730 Y

question 72

Multiple Choice

Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5730 y.A sample of wood has been recovered by an archaeologist.The sample is sent to a laboratory,where it is determined that the activity of the sample is 0.144 Bq/g.By comparing this activity with the activity of living organic matter,0.230 Bq/g,the scientist determines how old the wood sample is,or more precisely,when the tree that the sample came from died.How old is the sample of wood?

• A) 3870 y
• B) 4250 y
• C) 4590 y
• D) 2630 y
• E) 2940 y

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Definitions:

Brackish Water

Water that has more salinity than freshwater but not as much as seawater, typically resulting from the mixing of seawater with freshwater.

Nutrient Concentration

The amount of a specific nutrient present within a given volume or mass of soil, water, or biological material.

Neritic Province

A marine zone extending from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf, characterized by abundant sunlight and life.

Oceanic Province

A large, biogeographic region of the ocean characterized by distinct environmental conditions and marine life.