Beta Decay of Carbon-14

14C → 14N + e− + ν̄e

Overview

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

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Carbon C 1 (s)
Product Nitrogen N 1 (g)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-15000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Potassium-40

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.