Solve the problem.
-An artifact is discovered at a certain site. If it has 62% of the carbon-14 it originally contained, what is the approximate age of the artifact to the nearest year? (carbon-14 decays at the rate of 0.0125% annually.)
A) 3824 years
B) 1661 years
C) 3040 years
D) 4960 years

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay of carbon-14 can be modeled by the formula $N = N_0 \times (1 - r)^t$, where $N$ is the remaining amount of carbon-14, $N_0$ is the original amount, $r$ is the annual decay rate, and $t$ is time in years. Given $N/N_0 = 0.62$ and $r = 0.000125$, solving for $t$ gives approximately 3824 years.

Solve the Problem. -An Artifact Is Discovered at a Certain Site. If It