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The normal activity of living carbon -co...

The normal activity of living carbon -containing matter is found to be about 15 decay per minute for every gram of carbon. This activity arises form the small proportion of radioactive `._6C^(14)` present with the ordinary `._6C^(12)` isotope. When the organism is dead, its interaction with the atmosphare which maintains the above equilibrium activity, ceases and its activity begins to drop. form the known half life (=5730years) of `._6C^(14)`, and the measured activity, the age of the specimen can be approximately estimated. This is the principle of `._6C^(14)` dating used in archaeology. Suppose a spacimen form Mohenjodaro gives an activity of 9 decays per minute per gram of carbon. Estimate the approximate age of the Indus Vally Civilization.

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