Radiocarbon dating works by comparing the three different isotopes of carbon. Isotopes of a particular element have the same number of protons in their nucleus, but different numbers of neutrons. While the lighter isotopes 12C and 13C are stable, the heaviest isotope 14C (radiocarbon) is radioactive.

How can radioactive isotopes be used for dating materials?

Radiometric dating is a method used to date rocks and other objects based on the known decay rate of radioactive isotopes. The two uranium isotopes decay at different rates, and this helps make uranium-lead dating one of the most reliable methods because it provides a built-in cross-check.

What radioisotope is used in radiocarbon dating?

carbon-14 Every living organism contains the radioisotope carbon-14. Carbon-14 is formed when neutrons from cosmic radiation collide with nitrogen atoms in our atmosphere forming protons and carbon-14 atoms. Carbon dioxide is responsible for carbon-14 entering the food chain.

How are radioactive isotopes used to date rocks?

Radiometric dating, often called radioactive dating, is a technique used to determine the age of materials such as rocks. It is based on a comparison between the observed abundance of a naturally occurring radioactive isotope and its decay products, using known decay rates.

What are some similarities and differences between C 12 and C 13?

Isotopes of Carbon By far the most common isotope of carbon is carbon-12 (12C), which contains six neutrons in addition to its six protons. The next heaviest carbon isotope, carbon-13 (13C), has seven neutrons. Both 12C and 13C are called stable isotopes since they do not decay into other forms or elements over time.