Beta Decay of Carbon-14

¹⁴C → ¹⁴N + e⁻ + ν̄_e

Aperçu

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.

Participants

Rôle	Substance	Coefficient	État
Réactif	Carbon C	1	(s)
Produit	Nitrogen N	1	(g)

Exemple du quotidien

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

Importance industrielle

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

Propriétés

Type: Nuclear
Réversible: Non
Énergie: Exothermique
ΔH: -15000000,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

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.