Beta Decay of Carbon-14

14C → 14N + e− + ν̄e

Descripción general

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.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Carbon C 1 (s)
Producto Nitrogen N 1 (g)

Ejemplo cotidiano

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

Importancia industrial

La datación por carbono-14 revolucionó la arqueología y la paleontología. Willard Libby ganó el Premio Nobel en 1960 por desarrollar esta técnica.

Propiedades

Tipo
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energía
Exotérmico
ΔH
-15000000,0 kJ/mol

Reacciones relacionadas

Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

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.