Question

The half life of Carbon-14 is 5730 years, how many years would it take for 7/8 of the original amount to decay?

Answer 1

Atoms with an unstable nucleus are radioisotopes, which means that they can undergo radioactive decay. The term radioisotope is derived from "radioactive isotope" An isotope is an atom that has the same number of protons, but neutrons have a different number. Cobalt-59, with 27 protons and 32 neutrons, for example, and cobalt-60, with 27 protons and 33 neutrons, for example. Isotopes can interact identically chemically, but they have distinct physical properties.

Complete answer:
As they die, radioisotopes emit various types of radiation. There are alpha , beta, and gamma . The nucleus that does not undergo radioactive decay is a stable isotope. Radioisotopes that are present in nature are natural radioisotopes, the most well-known being uranium.

Artificial radioisotopes are artificially-manufactured radioisotopes.
After 1st half-life, there will be 50% decay = 1/2 of the initial amount remaining.
After 2nd half-life, there will be 25% = 1/4 of the initial amount remaining.
After 3rd half-life, there will be 12.5% = 1/8 of the initial amount remaining.
1−7/8=1/8
It is given that, half-life = 5730 years.
So, the number of years for elapsing 3 half lives = 5730 X 3=17190

The carbon-14 absorption also ceases and when a plant stops assimilating carbon dioxide or when an animal or human being stops eating, the balance is broken. Radioactive degradation is the only process at work from that moment on in the body. Carbon-14 remains will eventually disappear.

Note: For different purposes, all organic matter must 'store' carbon atoms, some of which randomly happen to be carbon-14. It ceases storing carbon-14 as the organism dies. Carbon-14 is toxic, so it will become less radioactive over time.