Solving for r in Carbon-14's Half-Life

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In summary, the half life of carbon 14 is 5730 years and the constant rate r can be determined by starting with Q = 1 at t = 0 and Q = 1/2 at t = 5730 years, or by performing a definite integral from t=0 to t= 5730 with Qf/Qi ratio = 1/2. There may be a missing constant in the initial integration.
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TG3
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Homework Statement
The half life of carbon 14 is 5730 years long. Assume that dQ/dt = -rQ. Determine the constant rate r.

The attempt at a solution

dQ/dt = -rQ (Given)

dQ/Q = -rdt (algebra)
lnQ = -rt (integrate)
-lnQ/t = r (algebra)

How do I work in 5,730? Also, did I do the equations correctly?
 
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  • #2
I think you have forgotten a constant in your inetgration if it is an indefinite integral, otherwise integration looks ok

to get r
start with Q = 1 at t = 0
then by the meaning of half life, you have Q = 1/2 at t = 5730yrs

Another option is to re-perform the integration as a definite integral from t=0 to t= 5730 knowing the Qf/Qi ratio = 1/2
 

Related to Solving for r in Carbon-14's Half-Life

What is the half-life of Carbon-14?

The half-life of Carbon-14 is approximately 5,730 years.

Why is it important to solve for r in Carbon-14's half-life?

Solving for r in Carbon-14's half-life allows us to accurately determine the age of organic materials using radiocarbon dating techniques.

How do you solve for r in Carbon-14's half-life?

To solve for r, we use the equation r = ln(2)/t1/2, where t1/2 is the half-life of Carbon-14.

What are the limitations of using Carbon-14 dating?

Carbon-14 dating can only be used to determine the age of organic materials up to approximately 50,000 years old. Additionally, environmental factors such as contamination and fluctuations in atmospheric carbon levels can affect the accuracy of the results.

How has the use of Carbon-14 dating impacted our understanding of history?

The use of Carbon-14 dating has greatly enhanced our understanding of the timeline of human history, allowing us to accurately date artifacts and fossils and piece together a more complete picture of the past.

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