The Half-Life of ¹⁴C Is 5730 Years

question 85

Multiple Choice

The half-life of ¹⁴C is 5730 years. If a sample contained 100% ¹⁴C and 0% ¹⁴N at a point in time 17,190 years ago, then what percentage of ¹⁴C would it contain today?

• A)12.5%
• B)25%
• C)50%
• D)75%
• E)100%

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Definitions:

Low Explosive

A substance capable of exploding at a slower rate, primarily used for propellants and pyrotechnics, compared to high explosives which detonate.

Organic Solid

A solid material composed of organic compounds, which consist of carbon atoms bonded together in chains or rings.

Oxygen Balance

Oxygen balance is a concept in chemistry, particularly in the analysis of explosive materials, referring to the ratio between the oxygen available and required for complete oxidation of the combustible components of a compound.

Kinetic-Molecular Theory

The kinetic-molecular theory explains the behavior of gases, including their volume, temperature, and pressure, based on the idea that gases consist of small particles in random motion.