Question

Carbon dating is used to determine the age of fossils. It is estimated by:

• A. Measuring the depth of excavated fossil.
• B. Calculating the ratio of C-14 to C-12.
• C. Size of organs that are vestegial in present-day species.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Calculating the ratio of C-14 to C-12.

• The two main isotopes of carbon present in the living organisms are, stable C-12 and unstable C-14. The carbon consumption of living organisms ceases after death and since then the decaying process of C-14 happens.
• Carbon dating method is used to determine the age of the fossils by calculating the half-life of C-14 and the ratio of C-14 to C-12 left. Older the fossil, lesser will be C-14 present in the sample.
• Measuring the depth of fossil and size of vestegial organs also determine the age of fossils. But it doesn't involve the measurement of radioactivity of carbon, which is the heart of carbon dating process.