They say that April is the most romantic month of the year, with occasional snow showers sprinkled in between 70 degree days and an increase in hurried picnic dates planned for that 1-2 hours where the weather is pleasant. For this passionate chemistry student, Archie Bald, however, April is just another month to learn about chemistry! The only dating that this student will be participating in is carbon-14 dating.
When asked where he sees himself romantically in 5 years, Bald responded that “Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,730 years. The method of carbon-14 dating was developed by Willard F. Libby in 1946. It is an effective method of dating fossils and other specimens of historical value from 500 - 50,000 years old. The method of carbon-14 dating is used by professionals of many fields including geologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and chemists.”
After making this emotional statement, like a true romantic, Archie Bald continued to explain that he hopes his own bones have their age determined via carbon-14 dating when he has been dead for 50-50,000 years.
“Instead of a life partner, I plan to have a half-life partner, one who loves the half-life of carbon-14 as much as I do!” exclaimed Archie Bald.
Perhaps in 5,730 years, this chemistry student’s coffin will contain 50% less carbon than it originally contained. How romantic!