The radioactive isotope carbon- 14 is found in living material in small quantifies. There are approximately 1000 carbon- 14 atoms for every 10¹⁵ carbon-12 atoms. Whilst the material is still living this ratio remains constant, because even though the carbon-14 is decaying, it is being constantly replenished. When the material dies the carbon-14 decays and is not replaced. The half- life of carbon-14 is about 6000 years.

In a bone the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon -12 atoms is found to be 100 :10¹⁵

In a bone the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 atom is found to be to be 100:10¹⁵

Which of the following is the closet estimate of the age of the bone?

a) 60 years

b) 600 years

c) 1000 years

d) 10 000 years

e) 20 000 years

f) 30 000 years

g) 50 000 years

h) 60 000 years