Geologists have discovered a fossil of a tree that once lived in an ancient swamp. They determine that 4 half lives of C14 have passed. Use the reference diagram to determine the age of the tree. Explain your answer.
1 answer
The half-life of C14 is approximately 5730 years. If 4 half lives have passed, that would mean a total of 4 x 5730 = 22,920 years have passed since the tree died and was buried in the swamp. Therefore, the age of the tree fossil is 22,920 years old.