The Ratio of ¹⁴C to Its Stable Isotope, Carbon-12 (¹²C)

question 71

Multiple Choice

The ratio of ¹⁴C to its stable isotope, carbon-12 (¹²C) , is relatively constant in living organisms and their environment; however, this changes once an organism dies. In a fossil less than 50,000 years old, what would the ratio of ¹⁴C to ¹²C be?

• A) The ratio of ¹⁴C to ¹²C would be higher because the ¹²C is not replenished after death.
• B) The ratio of ¹⁴C to ¹²C would be lower because the ¹⁴C is not replenished after death.
• C) The ratio would be equal.
• D) Fossils less than 50,000 years old can not be dated using this method.
• E) None of the above

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