Beta Decay of Carbon-14

¹⁴C → ¹⁴N + e⁻ + ν̄_e

Visão geral

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

Papel	Substância	Coeficiente	Estado
Reagente	Carbon C	1	(s)
Produto	Nitrogen N	1	(g)

Exemplo do cotidiano

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

Importância industrial

A datação por carbono-14 revolucionou a arqueologia e a paleontologia. Willard Libby ganhou o Prémio Nobel de 1960 pelo desenvolvimento desta técnica.

Propriedades

Tipo: Nuclear
Reversível: Não
Energia: Exotérmico
ΔH: -15000000,0 kJ/mol

Reações relacionadas

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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.