Question

The half life of Carbon-14 is 5730 years, how many years would it take for 7/8 of the original amount to decay?

Answer 1

17190

years.

Explanation:

The half-life of carbon-14 is

5730

years.

Therefore, after

1

half-life there is

50%=12

of the original amount left.

2

half-lives there is

25%=14

of the original amount left.

3

half-lives there is

12.5%=18

of the original amount left.

1−78=18

So, your answer would be the time it takes for carbon-14 to elapse 3 half-lives.

5730⋅3=17190