Carbon dating

Definition

Carbon dating is a method used to determine the age of an object containing organic material by measuring the amount of carbon-14 it contains. It utilizes the principles of exponential decay.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon dating relies on the radioactive decay of carbon-14 (C-14) into nitrogen-14 (N-14).
2. The half-life of C-14 is approximately 5730 years, which is crucial for calculating ages.
3. The exponential decay formula $A(t) = A_0 e^{-kt}$ is used, where $A_0$ is the initial amount and $k$ is the decay constant.
4. The decay constant $k$ can be found using $k = \frac{\ln(2)}{5730}$.
5. A carbon-dated sample must be calibrated with other dating methods for accuracy due to fluctuations in atmospheric C-14 levels.

Review Questions

• What is the half-life of carbon-14 and why is it important in carbon dating?
• How do you express the decay constant $k$ in terms of the half-life?
• Explain how the exponential decay formula applies to carbon dating.

Related terms

Exponential Decay:

A process where quantities decrease at a rate proportional to their current value, often modeled by $y = y_0 e^{-kt}$.

Half-Life: The time required for a quantity to reduce to half its initial value. In carbon dating, this refers to the time taken for half of C-14 to decay.

Radioactive Isotope: $An isotope whose nucleus decays over time, releasing radiation. Carbon-14 is one such isotope used in radiometric dating.$