Understanding Carbon-

14
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon that is naturally occurring. It is
formed in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen atoms,
and it is found in all living organisms.

Sa
by Sains Joseph
Radioactive Decay of Carbon-14
Formation
Carbon-14 is continuously formed in the upper
atmosphere through the interaction of cosmic rays
with nitrogen atoms.
Decay
Over time, the radioactive carbon-14 decays back
into nitrogen-14 through the emission of a beta
particle, with a half-life of 5,730 years.

1 2 3

Incorporation
Carbon-14 is incorporated into living organisms
through the carbon cycle, where it replaces stable
carbon-12 in organic compounds.
Half-Life of Carbon-14
Definition
The half-life of carbon-14 is the time it takes for
half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
Exponential Decay
The decay of carbon-14 follows an exponential
curve, with the amount of radioactive carbon-14
decreasing over time.
Duration
The half-life of carbon-14 is approximately 5,730
years, meaning that after this time period, half of
the carbon-14 in a sample will have decayed.
Measurement
By measuring the remaining carbon-14 in a
sample, scientists can determine the age of the
sample using the known half-life.
Carbon-14 Dating Technique
Premise
Carbon-14 dating is a technique
used to determine the age of
organic materials by measuring
the amount of radioactive
carbon-14 that remains in the
sample.
Process
The technique relies on the fact
that carbon-14 is continually
being formed in the upper
atmosphere and incorporated
into living organisms through
photosynthesis and the food
chain.
Application
Carbon-14 dating is widely used
in fields such as archaeology,
paleontology, and geochemistry
to determine the age of organic
materials up to about 50,000
years old.
Limitations of Carbon-14 Dating

1 Time Limit 2 Contamination

Carbon-14 dating is only effective for materials Samples can become contaminated with
up to about 50,000 years old, as beyond that younger or older carbon, leading to inaccurate
the amount of carbon-14 remaining is too small age estimates. Careful sample preparation is
to measure accurately. essential.

3 Atmospheric Changes 4 Organic-Only

Fluctuations in the levels of carbon-14 in the Carbon-14 dating can only be used to date
atmosphere over time can also affect the organic materials, as they contain carbon.
accuracy of the dating method. Inorganic materials like rocks cannot be dated
using this method.
Applications of Carbon-14 Dating

Archaeology Paleontology Environmental Forensics

Science
Determining the age of Analyzing the age of Determining the age of
ancient artifacts, fossils and organic Tracking changes in human remains and
settlements, and organic remains to study the atmospheric carbon-14 other organic evidence
remains to understand evolution of plant and levels to study climate to aid criminal
human history and animal species. change and investigations.
cultural evolution. environmental
processes.
Measuring Carbon-14 Levels

Sample Sample Measurement Age Calculation

Collection Preparation
Using advanced Applying the known
Obtaining a carefully Cleaning and treating techniques like half-life of carbon-14
selected organic the sample to remove accelerator mass to the measured ratio
sample, such as wood, any contaminants that spectrometry to of carbon-14 to stable
bone, or charcoal. could affect the precisely measure the carbon-12 to
carbon-14 content. amount of remaining determine the age of
carbon-14 in the the sample.
sample.
Importance of Carbon-14 in Archaeology
Accurate Dating Carbon-14 dating provides a reliable method for
determining the age of organic materials, which is
crucial for archaeological research and
understanding human history.

Contextual Analysis By dating organic remains found in archaeological

sites, scientists can piece together the timeline of
human activity and cultural development.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration Carbon-14 dating has facilitated cross-disciplinary

collaborations between archaeologists, geologists,
paleontologists, and other scientists, leading to a
more comprehensive understanding of the past.

Preservation of the Past The ability to accurately date organic materials has
contributed to the preservation and conservation of
archaeological sites and artifacts, ensuring their
protection for future generations.