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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Definitions:

Long-run Equilibrium

A state in which supply equals demand, and all firms in the market are operating at an efficient scale with no incentive to enter or exit.

Minimum ATC

The point at which a firm's average total cost is at its lowest, typically considered in the context of the long-run average cost curve.

Purely Competitive Market

A market structure characterized by many buyers and sellers, free entry and exit, and a product that is homogeneous across suppliers.

Short Run

A period of time during which at least one input, like equipment or labor, is fixed while others can be varied to change output levels.