Isotopes

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1. What does the symbol “carbon-12”mean? (~30 words)
It is a generally occurring radioactive isotope symbolizing that it holds an unbalanced nucleus which splits up instinctively releasing energy in a process described as radioactive-decay that cannot be modified by outer circumstances.
2. What does the symbol “carbon-14” mean? (~30 words)
Carbon-12 generated through triple-alpha-process is the most sufficient of the steady isotopes of carbon amounting to 98.93% and are preferentially prepared by bacteria due to its lighter binding strength.
3. What are the differences between “carbon-12” and “carbon-14”? List at least three. (~20 words)
It comes with the equal amount of protons and neutrons.
Carbon 14 has different proton and neutron numbers.
Carbon 12 is a stable isotope, and Carbon 14 is an unstable isotope.
4. What is the main change that has to happen to “carbon-14” so it can turn into nitrogen? (~20 words)
Through beta decay carbon-14, releases an electron and antineutrino pointing to the rise or reduction of the atomic number by one leaving the mass number constant.
5. Using your knowledge of atomic structure and isotopes, textbook essay information, and any scientifically reliable online or printed resources, create a ~200-word explanation of how carbon dating is used to determine the age of biological remains. Make sure to use your own words and cite outside sources that you have used.
Carbon dating is a method employed to ascertain the relative age of once-living matters.

It is based on the decomposition scale of the radioactive carbon isotope 14C, a kind of carbon absorbed by every existing organism while they are living. It is renewed in the membranes by consuming other bodies or by inhaling air that carries carbon. Also, it comprises isotopes with atomic weights within 9 and 15. The common ample isotope in creation is carbon–12, accompanied in abundance by carbon–13. Concurrently carbon–12 and carbon–13 compose 99% of all naturally transpiring carbon. Among the rare abundant isotopes is carbon–14, which is generated in small amounts in the earth’s environment through synergies concerning cosmic waves — the half-life of radioactive isotope detail the amount of time that it takes half of the isotope in a specimen to decay. This radio-isotope decomposes to produce nitrogen, with a half-life of 5730 years. When a living body dies, it discontinues taking carbon dioxide into its body, so that the number of C14 it holds is fixed comparable to its cumulative weight. Over the centuries, this volume unwaveringly decreases. The filtered synthetic and environmental examination is used to define the precise amount surviving, and from this, the age of an organism is concluded.
6. Find a biology or medicine-related example of radioisotope use (besides “carbon dating”) and describe it in a ~50-word statement (reference your sources).
Radioactive isotopes are utilized in diagnosing and healing illnesses and infections. For instance, radioactive iodine-131 to test for thyroid liveliness in the neck is where there is a notable collection of iodine. Also, it has a half-life of only eight days, so the potential for harm due to vulnerability is insignificant (Siri et al., pg.576).
Work cited
Siri, William E., Dougherty, et al. “Handbook of radioactivity and tracer methodology.” United States Air Force, Air Material Command, 13 February 1948. http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/1275001R Retrieved from https://collections.nlm.nih.gov/catalog/nlm:nlmuid-1275001R-bk. Accessed on December 7, 2018.