SOLUTION: my problem is this, A fossilized leaf contains6% of its normal amount of carbon 14. how old is the fossil (to the nearest year)? use 5600 years as the half-life of carbon 14

Algebra ->  Exponential-and-logarithmic-functions -> SOLUTION: my problem is this, A fossilized leaf contains6% of its normal amount of carbon 14. how old is the fossil (to the nearest year)? use 5600 years as the half-life of carbon 14      Log On


   

Question 137379: my problem is this, A fossilized leaf contains6% of its normal amount of carbon 14. how old is the fossil (to the nearest year)? use 5600 years as the half-life of carbon 14
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a=I(1/2)^(t/h) __ where a=current amount, I=initial amount, t=time elapsed, and h=half-life

.06I=I(1/2)^(t/5600) __ dividing by I __ .06=(1/2)^(t/5600)

taking log __ log(.06)=(log(1/2))(t/5600)

dividing by log(1/2) __ (log(.06))/(log(1/2))=(t/5600)

multiplying by 5600 __ 5600[(log(.06))/(log(1/2))]=t