The carbon content of living trees includes a small proportion of C-14, which is a radioactive isotope. After a tree dies, the proportion of C-14 in it decreases due to radioactive decay.Suggest why the method of carbon dating is likely to be unreliable if a sample is:a) < 200 years oldb) > 60,000 years old

The carbon content of living trees includes a small proportion of C-14, which is a radioactive isotope. After a tree dies, the proportion of C-14 in it decreases due to radioactive decay.Suggest why the method of carbon dating is likely to be unreliable if a sample is:a) < 200 years oldb) > 60,000 years old

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text

5th Edition

ISBN:9781133104261

Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett

Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett

Chapter30: Nuclear Physics

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 27P

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The carbon content of living trees includes a small proportion of C-14, which is a radioactive isotope. After a tree dies, the proportion of C-14 in it decreases due to radioactive decay.
Suggest why the method of carbon dating is likely to be unreliable if a sample is:
a) < 200 years old
b) > 60,000 years old

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