Near Three Rivers NM there is an archaeological site contain

Near Three Rivers, NM, there is an archaeological site containing petroglyphs. In 1998, archaeologists found that the amount of carbon-14 in the petroglyphs was 88.5%. Determine the approximate age of the petroglyphs. Show the carbon-14 dating model for the age of the petroglyphs and define variables. Explain how you found your answer. There are directions for how to type math characters in the Resource Center that will show you show to enter exponents and fractions.

Solution

Expenoenetial decay equation :

N(t) = Noe^(-kt)

where k is decay constant and No. is the intial amt = 0.885No

So, 0.885 = e^(-kt)

taking log on both sides:

ln(0.885) = -kt

t = 0.122/k would give the time taken to decay to 88.5%

From this we can find the age if we know the intial yaer when C-14 was sited.