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The radioactive isotope carbon-14 is natural.

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Loma Schowalter

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2y ago
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9y ago

Living things absorb carbon from the atmosphere. A small amount is radio active. When the living things die, the radioactive carbon within it begins to decay at a known rate. Scientists can determine an age based on the amount of radiocarbon remaining within the object.

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11y ago

The isotope carbon-14 is of radiogenic origin. It is a reaction between a nitrogen atom and a neutron:

14N + n = 14C + p

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Q: What is the source of the carbon that is used in radiocarbon dating in living things?
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How does dendrochronology assist radiocarbon dating?

Tree rings provided truly known-age material needed to check the accuracy of radiocarbon dating as a method. During the late 1950s, several scientists (notably the Dutchman Hessel de Vries) were able to confirm the discrepancy between radiocarbon ages and calendar ages through results gathered from radiocarbon dating tree rings dated through dendrochronology. Today, tree rings are still used to calibrate radiocarbon determinations. Libraries of tree rings of different calendar ages are now available to provide records extending back over the last 11,000 years. Source: http://www.radiocarbon.eu/tree-ring-calibration.htm


What is the main source of living things?

The main source of living things is the break down of carbon. Carbon is essential to life. It is at the base of every organic compound.


In living things what is the source of the carbon14 that is used in radiocarbon dating?

The source of carbon-14 used in radiocarbon dating is cosmic radiation. Carbon-14 is produced in the Earth's atmosphere when cosmic rays collide with nitrogen atoms, creating carbon-14 isotopes. This carbon-14 is then absorbed by living organisms through the process of photosynthesis and becomes a part of their biological tissues.


The carbon source for organisms that make their food from photosynthesis is?

the carbon source from photosynthesis is CO2 in the atmsphere. Carbon is the second most abundant element in living matter.


What is the source of Earth's carbon?

Living organisms. Fossils too.


What is the source of the most of the carbon?

The most important source of carbon entering atmosphere is industries. Living things, burning fossil fuels and automobiles are other sources of carbon dioxide.


Is carbon dating valid or a lie?

Carbon dating is valid for:objects that were once living (had been in equilibrium with atmospheric carbon-14 levels)objects no older than about 40,000 years (still has detectable level of carbon-14)objects that are not fossilized (carbon has not been replaced)Carbon dating often has errors (due to variations in atmospheric carbon-14 levels over time), but these can be corrected by cross-referencing with tree ring dating.Some people want carbon dating to be wrong as it may contradict their strongly held beliefs, so in their mind it must be a lie. But beliefs can be wrong (even delusional), no matter how strongly held or the source they are based on.


What source do all living things need to carry out their life activities?

water and food


What is the most important source of carbon entering atmosphere?

The most important source of carbon entering atmosphere is industries. Living things, burning fossil fuels and automobiles are other sources of carbon dioxide.


What is the main source of energy for living thingsmade of the elements carbon hydrogen and oxygen?

the sun


How do plants contain carbon?

What are two ways plants act as a carbon source?


What is a carbon source?

A carbon source is a thing that gives off carbon.