Calculating the Age of a Mummy Shroud Using Carbon Dating - Step by Step Guide

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SUMMARY

The age of a mummy shroud can be calculated using carbon dating principles, specifically the decay of carbon-14 (14C). In this case, the shroud exhibits a 14C activity of 8.9 disintegrations per minute per gram (dpm g) compared to the baseline of 15.2 dpm g for living organisms. Utilizing the half-life of 14C, which is 5730 years, the formula C₀ (0.5)^(t/T) = C is applied to determine the age of the shroud. The calculations yield a definitive age for the shroud based on the measured carbon activity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radiocarbon dating principles
  • Familiarity with the half-life concept
  • Knowledge of decay equations in nuclear physics
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formula for carbon dating in detail, including its derivation and applications
  • Learn about the implications of half-life in radioactive decay
  • Explore the limitations and accuracy of radiocarbon dating methods
  • Investigate other dating techniques used in archaeology, such as potassium-argon dating
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying archaeology, physics, or chemistry, as well as professionals involved in historical preservation and dating techniques.

sanjeevkaushal
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Carbon dating - urgent please help

Homework Statement


a) The cloth shroud of a mummy is found to have a 14C activity of 8.9 dpm g of carbon as opposed to living organisms which undergo 15.2 dpm g of carbon. Given the half –life of 14C is 5730 years what was the age of the shroud in years?


Homework Equations


Dont kno which 1 to use and if did don't kno how to :(


The Attempt at a Solution



Please help as much as possible as I am not to good at radiocarbon dating, thanks
 
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In present day, Co is 15.2, which is what it was when the shroud was first made. This value decreases by half every 5730 years, so the formula to use would be C_{o} (.5)^\frac{t}{T} = Cwhere Co is the initial amount of carbon, C is the amount of carbon after t years, and T is the half life.
 
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Can you please avoid double posting?!?
 

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