Danh mục: How Carbon Dating Works

Carbon dating is a brilliant way for archaeologists to reap the advantages of the natural ways in which atoms decay. Yes, it actually works, but this illustration clearly illustrates that a ‘date’ isn't independent from the numerous assumptions which are used to obtain it. Since the process of photosynthesis preferentially takes up 12C, you can use δ¹³C as an estimate of global primary productiveness (e.g., photosynthesis) in the past. For 13C, the standard is the PDB, or a more recent substitute that has been calibrated to the PDB. These C14 atoms then rain down on the earth to be absorbed by plants during photosynthesis after which by animals higher on the food chain. However, as quickly as an organism dies and begins to decompose, this carbon can now not be…