Chapter 6: Problem 3

To what interval of geologic time is radiocarbon dating applicable?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Radiocarbon dating is applicable to the interval of geologic time within the Quaternary Period, specifically materials that are less than about 50,000 years old. This includes the Pleistocene Epoch (2.58 million to 11,700 years ago) and the Holocene Epoch (11,700 years ago to present).

Step by step solution

Understand the concept of radiocarbon dating

Radiocarbon dating is based on the radioactive decay of carbon-14 (C-14), an isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons. This isotope is formed in the Earth's atmosphere through the interaction of cosmic rays with nitrogen atoms, and is absorbed by living organisms. When an organism dies, it stops taking in new carbon-14, so the amount of C-14 in its remains decreases over time as it decays back into nitrogen-14 (N-14).

Know the half-life of carbon-14

The half-life of an isotope is the time it takes for half of a given amount of the substance to decay. For carbon-14, the half-life is about 5,730 years. This means that after 5,730 years, half of the initial amount of carbon-14 in organic material will have decayed.

Determine the working range of radiocarbon dating

Radiocarbon dating is most accurate for materials that are less than about 50,000 years old. Beyond this, the amount of remaining carbon-14 is usually too small to be measured accurately, making it difficult to determine the age of the material.

Convert the working range into geologic time

The working range of radiocarbon dating, up to about 50,000 years, falls within the Quaternary Period of geologic time. The Quaternary Period, which began 2.58 million years ago and continues to the present, includes the Pleistocene Epoch (2.58 million to 11,700 years ago) and the Holocene Epoch (11,700 years ago to present). In conclusion, radiocarbon dating is applicable to the interval of geologic time within the Quaternary Period, specifically materials that are less than about 50,000 years old.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

To what interval of geologic time is radiocarbon dating applicable?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the concept of radiocarbon dating

Know the half-life of carbon-14

Determine the working range of radiocarbon dating

Convert the working range into geologic time

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

River Landscapes

Regenerating Places

Living With The Physical Environment

Challenges In The Human Environment

Geographical Skills

Globalisation

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.