Carbon-14 Dating
Solution


Use: f(t) = f(0) ekt k is constant; t is time.
First find value of k.
Enter value for 5730 years into: f(t) = f(0) ekt
50% = 100% ek * 5730
½ = e5730k
ln½ = 5730k
k = ln ½5730

Now use k in original formula with C14 at 110
f(t) = f(0) ekt

f(1000)f(0) = 110 = e(ln ½5730 t)

110 = e(ln½ * t5730)

110 = (12) t5730

ln110 = ln((12) t5730)

ln110 = t5730 * ln½

ln(1/10)ln(1/2) = t5730

t = 5730 * ln(1/10)ln(1/2)

t = 5730 * 3.321928 ≈ 19,034.65 years.


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