In: Chemistry
Problem 1. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the C14/C12 ratio in the (Carbon dioxide in the) atmosphere was 1.5 e-12. Atmospheric C14 is continually produced by cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere. C14 is radioactive and decays into N14 with a half-life of 5,730 years. A sample of charred wood found in the remains of a settlement in Pennsylvania is measured to have a C14/C12 ratio equal to 0.9 e-12 with an accuracy of ±10%. Estimate the age of the wood. What accuracy is required to estimate the age ±25 years?
Accuracy of +/- 10%
Hence the concentration can vary from (0.81 * 10^(-12) to 0.99 * 10^(-12) )
Age of wood if conc = 0.81 * 10^(-12)
Age of wood if conc = 0.99 * 10^(-12)
Age of wood if conc = 0.9 * 10^(-12)
For accuracy within +/- 25 years
4197.81 to 4247.81
Accuracy =