Question

part a
how can we determine the age of fossils?
view available hint(s)
the total amount of carbon - 12 found in the fossil.
the ratio of carbon - 12 to carbon - 14 found in the fossil.
the total amount of carbon - 14 in the fossil.
the total mass of all radioactive elements, such as uranium, found in the fossil.

Explanation:

Carbon - 14 is a radioactive isotope that decays over time. The ratio of carbon - 12 (stable) to carbon - 14 (radioactive) in a fossil can be used to estimate its age through a process called radiocarbon dating. As carbon - 14 decays, the ratio changes, and by measuring this ratio, scientists can calculate how long ago the organism died.

Answer:

B. The ratio of carbon - 12 to carbon - 14 found in the fossil.