Question

question 3 of 10
the ratio of carbon - 14 to nitrogen - 14 in an artifact is 1:1. given that the half - life of carbon - 14 is 5730 years, how old is the artifact?

a. 17,190 years
b. 22,920 years
c. 5730 years
d. 11,460 years

Explanation:

Step1: Understand half - life concept

The half - life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the substance to decay. When the ratio of carbon - 14 to nitrogen - 14 is 1:1, it means half of the original carbon - 14 has decayed into nitrogen - 14.

Step2: Relate to half - life value

Since half of the carbon - 14 has decayed, the time passed is equal to one half - life of carbon - 14. Given that the half - life of carbon - 14 is 5730 years.

Answer:

C. 5730 years