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Determine whether each statement makes sense or does not make sense, and explain your reasoning. Because carbon-14 decays exponentially, carbon dating can determine the ages of ancient fossils.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, the statement makes sense. Carbon dating can indeed determine the ages of ancient fossils, as it relies on the exponential decay process of carbon-14 which occurs at a consistent and predictable rate.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Carbon Dating

Carbon dating is a process used to determine the approximate age of once-living materials. It is based on the decay rate of the radioactive carbon isotope 14C.
02

Understanding Exponential Decay

When an organism dies, it ceases to replenish its supply of 14C. The 14C already in the organism's body continues to decay at a constant rate, and so the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in the organism starts to decrease over time. This decay is said to be exponential because it occurs at a rate that's proportional to the current amount.
03

Connecting the Concepts

Because carbon-14 decays at a consistent, known rate (an exponential decay), scientists can calculate the time elapsed since the death of the organism or since the artefact was last heated (in the case of rocks or pottery). Therefore, the original statement makes sense that carbon dating can determine the ages of ancient fossils through the exponential decay process of carbon-14.
04

Explanation

So, the statement makes sense because it accurately represents how carbon dating works by using the knowledge of exponential decay of carbon-14.

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