Question

Radio carbon dating is done by estimating in specimen

• A. the amount of ordinary carbon still present
• B. the amount of radio carbon still present
• C. the amount of \( ^{14}C \) to \( ^{12}C \) still present
• D. the ratio of amount of \( ^{12}C \) to \( ^{14}C \) still present

Hint:

Radio carbon dating relies on the decay of \( ^{14}C \) and the ratio of \( ^{14}C \) to \( ^{12}C \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Principle of Radio Carbon Dating.
Radio carbon dating estimates the age of a specimen by measuring the amount of \( ^{14}C \) present relative to \( ^{12}C \). The decay of \( ^{14}C \) allows for the determination of the age of ancient specimens.

Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is option (C).

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) the amount of } ^{14}C \text{ to } ^{12}C \text{ still present}} \]