Question:
If a fossil that has been discovered recently contains 0.2% of the \(^{14}C\) (t₁/₂ = 5,730 years) that was present when the fossil was formed, then the age of the fossil in years is likely to fall in the range of
If a fossil that has been discovered recently contains 0.2% of the \(^{14}C\) (t₁/₂ = 5,730 years) that was present when the fossil was formed, then the age of the fossil in years is likely to fall in the range of
Show Hint
For carbon dating, use the half-life formula and the percentage of \(^{14}C\) remaining to calculate the age of a fossil.
Updated On: Dec 11, 2025
- 25,000 – 35,000
- 35,000 – 45,000
- 45,000 – 55,000
- 55,000 – 65,000
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding Carbon Dating.
The age of a fossil can be determined using radiocarbon dating, where the amount of \(^{14}C\) remaining in a sample is compared to its original amount. The half-life of \(^{14}C\) is 5,730 years.
Step 2: Applying the formula.
We use the formula for the remaining percentage of \(^{14}C\): \[ N = N_0 \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{\frac{t}{t_{1/2}}} \] Where \(N_0\) is the original amount of \(^{14}C\), \(N\) is the remaining amount, \(t\) is the time elapsed, and \(t_{1/2}\) is the half-life.
Given that the remaining amount is 0.2%, we calculate the corresponding age, which is closest to 50,000 years.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the age of the fossil is likely to fall in the range of 45,000 – 55,000 years (C).
The age of a fossil can be determined using radiocarbon dating, where the amount of \(^{14}C\) remaining in a sample is compared to its original amount. The half-life of \(^{14}C\) is 5,730 years.
Step 2: Applying the formula.
We use the formula for the remaining percentage of \(^{14}C\): \[ N = N_0 \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{\frac{t}{t_{1/2}}} \] Where \(N_0\) is the original amount of \(^{14}C\), \(N\) is the remaining amount, \(t\) is the time elapsed, and \(t_{1/2}\) is the half-life.
Given that the remaining amount is 0.2%, we calculate the corresponding age, which is closest to 50,000 years.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the age of the fossil is likely to fall in the range of 45,000 – 55,000 years (C).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top IIT JAM BL Biological Science Questions
- One of Koch's postulates states that the suspected causative organism should
- Archaebacteria differ from bacteria in
- Which one of the following, involving transfer of a phosphate group, is an example of substrate-level phosphorylation?
- Lysosomal targeting of proteins involves recognition of
- In vitro, group I introns have the ability to
View More Questions
Top IIT JAM BL Biology Questions
- Which one of the following microscopes has working principle most similar to the way a blind person reads?
- 'Philadelphia chromosome' is NOT linked to
- Match the endocrine gland in Group A with the hormone secreted by them in Group B:
% Table for Groups\[\begin{array}{|c|c|} \hline Group A & Group B \\ \hline \text{(P) Anterior Pituitary} & \text{(i) Melatonin} \\ \hline \text{(Q) Thyroid} & \text{(ii) Glucocorticoids} \\ \hline \text{(R) Adrenal} & \text{(iii) Prolactin} \\ \hline \text{(S) Pineal} & \text{(iv) Calcitonin} \\ \hline \end{array}\] - A plant producing white flower with white seed coat (dominant) was crossed with a plant producing violet flower with gray seed coat (recessive). Upon selfing of 144 F2 progeny plants, the number of plants continuing to produce violet flower with gray seed coat will be:
- A dihybrid phenotypic ratio of 15:1 was obtained while making a cross of AaBb × AaBb. This is an example of:
View More Questions
Top IIT JAM BL Questions
- One of Koch's postulates states that the suspected causative organism should
- Archaebacteria differ from bacteria in
- Which one of the following, involving transfer of a phosphate group, is an example of substrate-level phosphorylation?
- Lysosomal targeting of proteins involves recognition of
- In vitro, group I introns have the ability to
View More Questions