before 1900 the activity per mass of atmospheric carbon due to the presence of carbon-14 averaged about 0.255bq/g of carbon 1. what fraction of carbon is carbon-14
To determine the fraction of carbon that is carbon-14, we need to compare the activity of carbon-14 to the total activity of all carbon isotopes. The fraction can be calculated as follows:
Fraction of carbon-14 = (Activity of carbon-14) / (Total activity of carbon)
Since the activity per mass of atmospheric carbon due to carbon-14 is given as 0.255 Bq/g, we can assume that the total activity of carbon is equal to the activity per mass of carbon-12.
Let's denote the total activity of carbon as A(total) and the activity of carbon-14 as A(14). The fraction of carbon-14 (f(14)) can be calculated as:
f(14) = A(14) / A(total)
However, we need additional information to calculate A(total).
To calculate the fraction of carbon that is carbon-14, we need to compare the activity of carbon-14 to the total activity of carbon.
First, it's important to understand that carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon that is radioactive and naturally occurring in the atmosphere.
To find the fraction of carbon that is carbon-14, we need to compare the activity of carbon-14 to the total activity of carbon. The activity of a radioactive substance is measured in becquerels (Bq).
Given that the activity of carbon-14 before 1900 was about 0.255 Bq/g of carbon, and assuming that the total activity of carbon is the same, we can calculate the fraction.
To calculate the fraction, divide the activity of carbon-14 by the total activity of carbon:
Fraction = Activity of carbon-14 / Total activity of carbon
Fraction = 0.255 Bq/g / Total activity of carbon
Since we are comparing activities, we can assume the units (Bq/g) cancel out, and we are left with the ratio of activities:
Fraction = 0.255 / Total activity of carbon
Unfortunately, the total activity of carbon is not provided in the given information. So it's not possible to determine the exact fraction without knowing the total activity of carbon.
Please provide more information if available, specifically the total activity of carbon, so that a more accurate calculation can be performed to determine the fraction of carbon that is carbon-14.