Radiocarbon (C-14) Dating

All living organisms absorb radiocarbon, an unstable form of carbon that has a half-life of about 5,730 years. During its lifetime, an organism continually replenishes its supply of radiocarbon by breathing and eating. After the organism dies and becomes a fossil, C-14 continues to decay without being replaced. To measure the amount of radiocarbon left in a fossil, scientists burn a small piece to convert it into carbon dioxide gas. Radiation counters are used to detect the electrons given off by decaying C-14 as it turns into nitrogen. The amount of C-14 is compared to the amount of C-12, the stable form of carbon, to determine how much radiocarbon has decayed and to date the fossil.

"Radiocarbon (C-14) Dating," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.