Question

radiocarbon dating is a technique used by scientists to learn the ages of biological specimens like wooden archaeological artifacts and animal remains.
if a fossilized bone is found with ¼ the ratio of carbon - 14 to carbon 12, what is the approximate age of the bone?
a 5,700 years
b 11,400 years
c 17,100 years
d 22,800 years

Explanation:

Step1: Recall carbon - 14 half - life concept

The half - life of carbon - 14 is approximately 5700 years. When the ratio of carbon - 14 to carbon - 12 is 1/4, it means two half - lives have passed.

Step2: Calculate the age

If one half - life is 5700 years, and two half - lives have passed, then the age $t = 2\times5700$ years.
$t=11400$ years

Answer:

B. 11,400 years