Carbon-14
Definition
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic nucleus containing 6 protons and 8 neutrons. It's presence in organic materials is the basis of the radiocarbon dating method to date archaeological, geological, and hydrogeological samples.
Related terms
Isotope: An isotope refers to different forms of a single element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Radioactive Decay: This term refers to the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. In this case, Carbon-14 decays over time.
Radiocarbon Dating: This is a method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon (Carbon-14), a radioactive isotope of carbon.
"Carbon-14" appears in:
Subjects (2)
AP Chemistry
AP Physics 2
Study guides (1)
AP Biology - 1.2 Elements of Life
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Cram Mode
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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.