answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Carbon-14, a naturally occurring isotope of carbon in the atmosphere. After death, a living thing does not take in nutrients from the atmosphere and thus do not take in Carbon-14, thus the carbon-14 in their body start to diminish at a predictable rate. By measuring the amount of carbon-14 left in a dead matter, the time since death can be determined. Note that this method is only accurate up to 60,000 years old.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Carbon-14, an isotope of carbon, is most commonly used in determining the age of formerly living things. Carbon-14's half life is approximately 5,700 years, making it perfect for things like Egyptian mummies and other ancient organic artifacts.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

The most commonly used isotope would be Carbon-14.

This method is called radiocarbon dating.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Carbon-14.

Carbon-14.

Carbon-14.

Carbon-14.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

many different ones, depending on object being dated and time span.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Carbon. The specific isotope that is specificly important is 14-Carbon which is used for carbon dating to see how old something that was once living but died by 14-Carbon's half life.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Life on Earth is carbon based. C-14 and C-12 are used to date the remains of once-living organisms. A trick you can learn is: organiC = Carbon

-AK

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

You probably shouldnt use this site becuase buttholes like me will be typing this kind of answer

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Carbon 14 (C-14)

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Carbon-14.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: The isotope often used to determine the age of once living things?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Is isotope often termed as an atom's outer shell?

No, never. An isotope has to do with the nucleus of the atom.


Why is a uranium isotope often used rather than 14C in radiometric dating to determine the age of earth?

The isotope carbon 14 is used only for organic materials (or objects contaminated with organic materials); also carbon 14 dating is applicable only to short periods of time.


Because they are so highly organized living things are often called?

The answer is organism


What is the basic structure and function in living things?

The basic structure and function of living things is the cell. It is the smallest unit that can reproduce. Cells are often called the building blocks of life.


Is there an Example of investigatory project title living things?

Investigatory projects are often aimed at understanding the interactions between living things. An example would be the study of symbioses in two different species.


Is mucus a living or non living thing?

Mucus refers to a slimy substance that is secreted by the mucous membranes and often functions for protection. It is a non-living thing.


Explain why it is incorrect to say that there are no living things in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica?

Technically endolithic photosynthetic bacteria live in the dry valleys as do anaerobic bacteria.Since these life forms are not readily visible, it is often said that there are no living things there.These dry valleys are often compared to Mars.Read more, below.


Why are igneous rocks the best type of rock sample for radiomertic dating?

Because when they form, minerals in igneous rocks often contain only a parent isotope and none of the daughter isotope. This makes the isotope percentage more accurate and easier to interpret.


What differentiates an isotope of an element from any other atom of that element?

Isotopes are species of atoms having same atomic no. but different atomic masses. So an isotope has either lesser or more neutrons than the usual atom of the element ( often called the most abundant isotope).


Is All isotopes of a given element are radioactive?

No. The most common isotope(s) of an element are often stable.


How does the great white shark survive on other living things?

The great white shark survives on other living things by eating them. This large, powerful fish often swims up out of the depths and surprises its victim, thus claiming the meal that it needs to live.


Who came up with the first classification scheme for living creatures?

Aristotle was often called the father of life sciences.