Beta Decay of Carbon-14

14C → 14N + e− + ν̄e

Übersicht

Carbon-14 undergoes beta-minus decay to nitrogen-14, emitting an electron and an antineutrino. C-14 has a half-life of 5,730 years and is continuously produced in the atmosphere by cosmic ray neutrons interacting with nitrogen. The ratio of C-14 to C-12 in organic remains decreases after death, enabling radiocarbon dating.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Carbon C 1 (s)
Produkt Nitrogen N 1 (g)

Alltägliches Beispiel

Radiocarbon dating determined the age of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Otzi the Iceman, and the Shroud of Turin.

Industrielle Bedeutung

Carbon-14 dating revolutionized archaeology and paleontology. Willard Libby won the 1960 Nobel Prize for developing this technique.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Nuclear
Reversibel
Nein
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-15000000,0 kJ/mol

Verwandte Reaktionen

Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Proton-Proton Chain (Solar Fusion) Uranium-235 Fission Positron Emission of Carbon-11 Positron Emission of Fluorine-18 (PET Scan) Technetium-99m Gamma Decay Alpha Decay of Radium-226

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Beta Decay of Carbon-14?
The balanced equation is: ¹⁴C → ¹⁴N + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ.
What type of reaction is Beta Decay of Carbon-14?
Beta Decay of Carbon-14 is a nuclear reaction.
Is Beta Decay of Carbon-14 exothermic or endothermic?
Beta Decay of Carbon-14 is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -15000000.0 kJ/mol.