Radiocarbon Dating

What is the primary source of Carbon 14 on Earth?

• Photosynthesis in plants

• Volcanic eruptions

• Decay of Carbon 12

• Cosmic rays converting nitrogen

How does Carbon 14 enter the human body?

• By consuming plants and animals

• Direct absorption from the atmosphere

• Through skin contact

• Through breathing

What happens to the amount of Carbon 14 in a body after death?

• It turns into Carbon 12

• It increases

• It remains constant

• It decreases

What is the half-life of Carbon 14?

• 100 years

• 10,000 years

• 1000 years

• 5730 years

Why can't radiocarbon dating be used accurately for objects after 1950?

• Increased volcanic activity

• Nuclear weapons testing altered Carbon 14 levels

• Changes in Earth's magnetic field

• Global warming effects

How do scientists validate the accuracy of radiocarbon dating?

• By comparing with written historical records

• By testing on living organisms

• By measuring the amount of Carbon 12

• By using only one sample

What is a significant challenge in measuring very old samples using radiocarbon dating?

• Lack of Carbon 12

• Insufficient Carbon 14 for accurate measurement

• Too much Nitrogen 14

• Excessive beta particle emission