Radiocarbon dating utilizes the predictable decay of carbon-14 to estimate the age of organic materials. A tool facilitating this process, often digital, allows users to input data such as the measured remaining carbon-14 and receive an estimated age range. For instance, entering a 50% remaining carbon-14 level would yield an approximate age of 5,730 years, corresponding to the half-life of this isotope.
This method revolutionized archaeological and paleontological dating, offering a more precise method to establish chronologies for artifacts and organic remains. Prior to its development, dating relied heavily on relative dating methods, such as stratigraphy, which provided less precise estimates. The ability to determine age with greater accuracy allows researchers to build more robust timelines of historical events, climate change, and biological evolution. Its application extends beyond these fields, contributing to areas like art authentication and forensic science.
