Radiocarbon dating
Radiocarbon dating (pronunciation: /ˌreɪdioʊˈkɑːrbən ˈdeɪtɪŋ/) is a method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon, a radioactive isotope of carbon.
Etymology
The term "radiocarbon dating" is derived from the words "radio" and "carbon," referring to the radioactive isotope of carbon used in the process, and "dating," which refers to the determination of the age of an object.
Process
Radiocarbon dating works by comparing the three different isotopes of carbon, namely Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14. Isotopes of a particular element have the same number of protons in their nucleus, but different numbers of neutrons. Carbon-14 is produced in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays bombard nitrogen atoms. The ensuing atomic interactions create a steady supply of c14 that rapidly diffuses throughout the atmosphere. Plants take up c14 along with other carbon isotopes during photosynthesis in the proportions that occur in the atmosphere; animals acquire c14 by eating the plants (or other animals).
Limitations
Radiocarbon dating has its limitations. The accuracy of the method decreases for objects older than about 50,000 years, due to the half-life of carbon-14. Also, the method assumes that the concentration of carbon-14 in the atmosphere has remained constant over time, which is not the case.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Radiocarbon dating
- Wikipedia's article - Radiocarbon dating
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