Question

If a sample originally had 120 Adams of carbon 14 how many atoms will remain after 17,190 years

Answer 1

Answer:

15 atoms

Explanation:

About 15 atoms out of the 120 Adams would remain.

Generally, the half-life of a substance is the time it takes for one-half of that substance to disintegrate.

Carbon 14 has a half-life of approximately 5,730 years. 17,190 years means that the sample had stayed for 17,190/5,730 which is equal to 3 carbon-14 half-lives.

Out of 120 Adams,

• the first half-life will reduce 120 to 60 Adams
• the second half-life will reduce 60 Adams to 30 Adams
• the third half-life will reduce 30 Adams to 15 Adams.

Hence, at the end of the 17,190 years, approximately 15 Adams would remain.