Question

Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5730 years. In a plant fossil, you find that the 14C has decayed to 1/8.00 of the original amount. How long ago was this plant alive?

Answer 1

hello.
eq: Nf = Ni*(1/2)^t/t1/2
Nf = 1/8
Ni = 1
we have to find t
so :
1/8 = 1*2^(-t/5730years)
2^-3 = 2 ^ (-t/5730)
from there: -3 = -t/5730=>t = 5730*3=17190years

Answer 2

Thank u