A tool used in archaeology and paleontology estimates the age of formerly living materials. It operates on the principle of radioactive decay of a specific isotope of carbon. By measuring the remaining amount of this isotope in a sample and comparing it to the known decay rate, the time elapsed since the organism’s death can be determined. For instance, if a sample contains half the amount of the isotope found in a living organism, it is approximately 5,730 years old, which is the half-life of the isotope.
This age estimation method is valuable in understanding the chronology of past events and the lifespans of ancient artifacts. It helps researchers establish timelines for human civilization, track environmental changes, and authenticate historical objects. Its development revolutionized the fields of archaeology and geology by providing a relatively accurate method for dating organic remains.
