WBCS.LIVE practice question

Which of the following isotopes is used in dating archaeological findings?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. (_92^235)U
  2. (_6^14)C
  3. (_1^3)H
  4. (_8^18)O

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: (_6^14)C

Explanation: The isotope Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) is used in dating archaeological findings. 📚 Other Information: ▪️ Carbon- 14 dating was developed by Willard Libby (1949). ▪️ It is based on the radioactive decay of ¹⁴C to ¹⁴N. ▪️ The half-life of Carbon- 14 is 5,730 years. ▪️ Used to determine the age of fossils, bones, wood, and ancient artefacts. ▪️ Works only on materials containing organic carbon. ▪️ The method is effective for objects up to 50,000 years old. ▪️ Atmospheric carbon-14 forms by cosmic ray interaction with nitrogen. ▪️ The ratio of ¹⁴C to ¹²C in dead matter decreases over time, indicating its age.