One of the most useful absolute dating methods for archaeologists is called radiocarbon dating. It works by measuring carbon isotopes, which are versions of the element carbon. All isotopes of carbon have 6 protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Is carbon dating absolute or relative?

Radiocarbon dating One of the most widely used and well-known absolute dating techniques is carbon-14 (or radiocarbon) dating, which is used to date organic remains. This is a radiometric technique, since it is based on radioactive decay.

What is the difference between carbon dating and relative dating?

The main difference between relative dating and radiometric dating is that relative dating is the method used to determine the age of rock layers according to their relative depth whereas radiometric dating is the method used to determine the absolute age with the use of decaying products of the natural radioactive

Does carbon dating give relative age?

Geologists do not use carbon-based radiometric dating to determine the age of rocks. Carbon dating only works for objects that are younger than about 50,000 years, and most rocks of interest are older than that.