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advanced-mathCarbon-14 has a half-life of 5,730 years. If a fossil has 25% of its original carbon-14, approximately how old is it?
A
11,460 years
B
5,730 years
C
17,190 years
D
2,865 years
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the correct answer. Work backwards from the remaining percentage.
- Remaining: 25% = of original.
- Half-lives: , so 2 half-lives have passed.
- Time: years.
- Formula: , solving gives .
💡 Strategic Tip: 25% = = 2 half-lives have occurred.
Choice B is incorrect because this is only 1 half-life (50% remaining). Choice C is incorrect because this is 3 half-lives (12.5% remaining). Choice D is incorrect because this is half of one half-life.