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6 May, 19:26

What fraction of carbon 14 remains in an animal frozen in a glacier 18000 years ago?

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  1. 6 May, 19:55
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    The formula we can use here is:

    A = Ao e^ (-kt)

    where A is the amount remaining, Ao is the initial amount, A/Ao is the fraction we need, k is the rate constant and t is number of years passed

    First we need to find k using the half life formula:

    t1/2 = ln 2 / k

    The half life of C 14 is t1/2 = 5730 years

    therefore k is:

    k = ln 2 / 5730 years

    k = 1.21 x 10^-4 years-1

    Going back:

    A/Ao = e^ (-kt)

    A/Ao = e^ (-1.21 x 10^-4 years-1 * 18000 years)

    A/Ao = 0.1133

    So only about 11.33% remains.
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