Question

Studying the decay of radioactive isotopes in dead organisms helps scientists to identify fossilized remains. The ratio of C-12 to C-14 in the atmosphere is 1 x 1012. The table shows this ratio inside the body of three organisms.C12/C14 RatioOrganismC12/C14 RatioA1 x 1012B2 x 1012C4 x 1012What can most likely be concluded from the above information?

Answer 1

Given,

The ratio of C-12 to C-14

$\begin{gathered} A\rightarrow1\times10^{12} \\ B\rightarrow2\times10^{12} \\ C\rightarrow4\times10^{12} \end{gathered}$

The ratio of C-12 to C-14 in a living organism is 1×10¹². And this ratio increases as time increases.

Thus we can say that sample A is living as its C-12 to C-14 ratio is 1×10¹².

And sample C is dead longer than sample B.