Radiocarbon dating works by comparing the three different isotopes of carbon. Isotopes of a particular element have the same number of protons in their nucleus, but different numbers of neutrons. This means that although they are very similar chemically, they have different masses.

How does carbon dating work simple?

The basis of radiocarbon dating is simple: all living things absorb carbon from the atmosphere and food sources around them, including a certain amount of natural, radioactive carbon-14. When the plant or animal dies, they stop absorbing, but the radioactive carbon that theyve accumulated continues to decay.

How does carbon dating work a level physics?

Carbon dating uses an unstable isotope of carbon to find the date of dead substances. This isotope Carbon-14 has a half life of 5,700 years. The ratio of Carbon-14 remaining indicates the times since the death of a living substance. Carbon-14 only works for things between 3 and 40 thousand years old.

What radiation is used in carbon dating?

Every living organism contains the radioisotope carbon-14. Carbon-14 is formed when neutrons from cosmic radiation collide with nitrogen atoms in our atmosphere forming protons and carbon-14 atoms.