Carbon-14 ($^{14}_{6}\text{C}$) is a radioactive isotope of carbon, whereas Carbon-12 ($^{12}_{6}\text{C}$) is non-radioactive.
(a)[2]
Explain in what way an atom of carbon-14 ($^{14}_{6}\text{C}$) is different from an atom of carbon-12 ($^{12}_{6}\text{C}$).
(b(i))[2]
Describe how the amount of carbon-14 in the dead organism changes as time passes.
(b(ii))[3]
Calculate how long ago the tree died.
(c)[2]
Suggest a use of a radioactive isotope with a half-life of one hour. Explain why having a short half-life makes it suitable for this use.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “The carbon-14 nucleus contains more neutrons than the carbon-12 nucleus” …