SOLUTION: Use the fact that after 5715 years, a given amount of carbon-14 will have decayed to half the original amount to find the exponential decay model for carbon-14. In 1947, earthenwa

Question 1029621: Use the fact that after 5715 years, a given amount of carbon-14 will have decayed to half the original amount to find the exponential decay model for carbon-14. In 1947, earthenware jars containing what are known as Dead Sea Scrolls were found by an Arab Bedouin herdsman. Analysis indicated that the scroll wrappings contained 76% of their original carbon-14. Estimate the age of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Age in 1947 and age today.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the fact that after 5715 years, a given amount of carbon-14 will have decayed to half the original amount to find the exponential decay model for carbon-14.
In 1947, earthenware jars containing what are known as Dead Sea Scrolls were found by an Arab Bedouin herdsman.
Analysis indicated that the scroll wrappings contained 76% of their original carbon-14.
Estimate the age of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Age in 1947 and age today.
:
The radioactive decay formula
A = Ao*2^(-t/h), where
A = the amt remaining after t time
Ao = initial amt
t = time of decay
h = half-life of the substance
:
let Ao = 1
let A = .76
1 * 2^(-t/5715) = .76
Using natural logs
ln(2^(-t/5715)) = ln(.76)
log equiv of exponents
ln(2) = ln(.76)

use you calc
= -.396
t = -.396 * 5715
t = 2263 yrs is the age of the Scroll in 1947
now their age is:
(2016-1947) + 2263 = 2332 yrs
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