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1. The carbon in a buried peat bed has about 6% of the C-14 of modern shells. When the plants that now form the buried
peat were alive, they absorbed C-14 and probably had about the same amount of C-14 as modern shells, so about 94% of
the peat's original C-14 has decayed. What is a reasonable initial estimate of the age of the peat bed? Explain,
2. In sampling the peat bed, you must be careful to avoid any young plant roots or old limestone. Why?

Respuesta :

Based on the percentage that has decayed of the peat's original C-14, a reasonable estimate of the age of the peat bed is 22,880 years.

We should be careful to avoid old limestone because it contains carbon that will help in finding the age of the peat bed sample. Same goes for the young plant roots.

What is an estimate of the age of the peat bed?

This can be found as:
= Half life of C-14 x Number of half lives that have passed

Number of half lives that have passed based on 6% being left of the orginal sample will be 4 half lives.

Estimate of age:

= 5,720 x 4

= 22,880 years.

Find out more on C-14 at https://brainly.com/question/3076768.