Radiocarbon dating, also known as carbon-14 dating, is a scientific method used to determine the age of organic materials. It is based on the principle of radioactive decay of the isotope carbon-14 (^14C). Here's how it works: 1. **Formation of Carbon-14**: Carbon-14 is formed in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen-14 (^14N).
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Radiocarbon dating uses the loss of carbon-14 relative to stable carbon after carbon exchange stops. It can measure either an isotope ratio by accelerator mass spectrometry or radioactive activity per fixed carbon content. Interpreting an age requires radiocarbon calibration and control of contamination and reservoir differences.
