How Accurate is Radiocarbon Dating for Determining the Age of a Mummy?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the age of a mummy using radiocarbon dating, specifically with a carbon content of 9.2 g and an activity of 1.6 Bq. One participant calculated the age to be approximately 2300 years, while another derived a figure of 2100 years using the formula 8033 * ln(A_0/A). The discrepancy in results highlights the importance of the fraction of carbon isotopes, particularly C-14, in determining accuracy. The closest reference answer in the book is 2200 years. Overall, the accuracy of radiocarbon dating can vary based on the method and assumptions used in calculations.
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the question

a mummy contain 9.2 g of carbon and it has an activity of 1.6 Bq. how old is the specimen in years?



i worked out the question and got an answer of 2300 yrs, the closest answer in the book is 2200yrs. is my answer of 2300 yrs correct?
 
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This stuff is new to me but I looked around and the formula seems to be 8033 * ln(A_0/A). Taking A_0 as 0.226 Bq/g * 9.2 g I get 2100 years. Take from this what you will.
 
The answer will depend on what fraction of the carbon is C-14 one uses.
 

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