|
Radiocarbon Dating:
A method used to find out the age of organic objects. The method
is based on the fact that during life all plants and animals absorb
a type of carbon known as 14carbon. After death, the 14carbon starts
to slowly decay. Scientists know the rate at which 14carbon decays,
so they can measure the amount left in an object and then calculate
the amount of time that has passed since death. This method can
only be used on organic materials such as wood or bone.
Radiocarbon years are not exactly the same as calendar years, because
the levels of 14carbon in the atmosphere have changed over time.
So, for example, 12,000 radiocarbon years is roughly equal to 13,500
calendar years.
|
|
 |
