Question

Review Chapter 2, The Building Blocks of Molecules and Evolution in ACTION- Carbon Dating for basic background information. To complete this assignment prepare a document that includes the following (1) the definition of an isotope, including a specific example- 4 pts. (2) the definition of a radioactive isotope, including a specific example- 4 pts. (3) an explanation of how Carbon-14 dating is used to estimate the age of artifacts- 6 pts. and (4) and an example of how radioactive isotopes can be used in medical diagnostic procedures- 6pts.

*** To receive full credit be sure to include answers to all parts of the assignment and apply knowledge from the Introductory Assignments by selecting credible websites and acknowledging sources by including a citation. The citation can be a link that leads directly to the page with relevant content or note with the Author, Title and year of publication***.  

Answer 1

1. Isotopes are the same forms of an element that have different number of neutrons but they have same number of protons. For example: C-12, C-13, C-14. These isotopes have 6 protons and 6,7 and 8 number of neutrons respectively.

2. Radioactive isotopes also hold the definition similar isotopes that they are different species of the same element with different neutrons, the only difference is that the nuclei of these isotopes are unstable and emit radiation in the alpha, beta and gamma rays. Cobalt-60

3. The basic principle behind the technique is that C-14 is radioactive and has a half life of about 5730 years i.e. it takes 5730 years to reduce to half its original/initial amount. This method is only applicable for dating fossils or substance aged 60,000 years.