Radiocarbon dating is a destructive process. Hence, because of its ability to analyze samples even in minute amounts, accelerator mass spectrometry is the method of choice for archaeologists with small artifacts and those who cannot destroy very expensive or rare materials.Radiocarbon dating is a destructive process. Hence, because of its ability to analyze samples even in minute amounts, accelerator mass spectrometry

Is carbon dating non destructive?

Traditional carbon dating involves removing and burning small samples of the object. Rowes new method, called “non-destructive carbon dating,” eliminates sampling, the destructive acid-base washes, and burning.

What is a drawback of carbon 14 dating?

Radiocarbon dating is also susceptible to contamination. If the ground in which an object is buried contains particles of coal or other ancient sources of carbon, radiocarbon testing may indicate that the object is far older than it really is.