Atoms consist of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons Orbiting outside the nucleus are a "cloud" of electrons. The number of protons determines the element. A carbon atom contains six protons and (normally) six neutrons; however, certain isotopes of carbon can exist. An isotope occurs when an atom has a different number of neutrons. Isotopes of carbon include: Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14. 6 protons + 6 neutrons e electron proton Carbon atom Figure I : Depiction Ofa carhon atom Carbon is an element common in living (organic) matter with C-12 and C-14 occurring in similar abundances. These isotopes combine with Oxygen to form Carbon Dioxide which plants use in photosynthesis When these plants die, the C-12 and C-14 decay at different rates. (Radioactive decay occurs when an atom decays into a different element Carbon-14 decays to Nitrogen-14.) Radiocarbon dating is a common technique used to find the age of dead organic matter by measuring the difference between C-12 and C-14 in a sample This sample could be an ancient plant or animal use the C-14 curve below to answer the questions in the discussion sectiom Data The plot here represents the length of time between C-14 decays. X Exp(X). Use this plot to answer the questions that follow. oom125 f(o) (1000121 10,000