The radioisotope ¹⁴C (half life = 5730 years) is used for carbon dating. What is the first order rate constant for ¹⁴C?

Answer 1

For first order reactions, t_1/2 = 0.693/k

5730 yrs = 0.693/k

k = 0.693/5730 yrs

k = 1.21x10^-4 yrs^-1