Question

The half life for radioactive decay of ¹⁴C is 5730. yr. An archaelogical archetect contained wood that had only 80% of the ¹⁴C found in living tree. Estimate the age of the sample.

Answer 1

Radioactive decay follows first order kinetics,
Decay constant (k) = \(\frac { 0.693 }{ t_{ 1/2 } } =\frac { 0.693 }{ 5730 } yr^{ -1 } \)
According to question, living tree has 80% ¹⁴C hence,

t = 1845 years
Hence the age of sample is = 1845 years