Related Formula
N = (N₀)/(2ⁿ)$$N = \frac{N_0}{2^n}$$
where n = tt1/2$n = \frac{t}{t_{1/2}}$ (number of half-lives).
Alternatively, using the first-order decay formula:
t = (2.303)/(λ) ( (N₀)/(Nₜ) )$$t = \frac{2.303}{\lambda} \log \left( \frac{N_0}{N_t} \right)$$
where λ = 0.693t1/2$\lambda = \frac{0.693}{t_{1/2}}$.
Core Logic
The atmospheric ratio of ¹⁴C/¹²C$^{14}\mathrm{C}/^{12}\mathrm{C}$ acts as the initial activity or amount (N₀$N_0$) when the tree was alive.
The current ratio in the wood represents the amount left at time t$t$ (Nₜ$N_t$).
Given that Nₜ = (1)/(8) N₀$N_t = \frac{1}{8} N_0$.
Step 1: Calculate Half-lives
(Nₜ)/(N₀) = (1)/(8)$$\frac{N_t}{N_0} = \frac{1}{8}$$
((1)/(2))ⁿ = (1)/(8) = ((1)/(2))³$$ \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n = \frac{1}{8} = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3$$
So, the number of half-lives passed, n = 3$n = 3$.
Step 2: Calculate Age
t = n × t1/2$$t = n \times t_{1/2}$$
t = 3 × 5730 years$$t = 3 \times 5730 \text{ years}$$
t = 17190 years$$t = 17190 \text{ years}$$
Pattern Recognition
Whenever the remaining fraction is a perfect power of 1/2$1/2$ (like 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16$1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16$), just find the exponent n$n$ and multiply by t1/2$t_{1/2}$. Here, 1/8 = (1/2)³ arrow 3$1/8 = (1/2)^3 \rightarrow 3$ half-lives.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: Chemical Kinetics