Which of the following is used in dating archaeological findings ? A. 92235U B. 614C C. 13H D. 818O

92235U
614C
13H
818O

The correct answer is: B. 614C

Carbon-14 dating is a radiometric dating method that uses the naturally occurring radioisotope carbon-14 (14C) to estimate the age of carbon-bearing materials up to about 58,000 to 62,000 years old. Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic nucleus containing 6 protons and 8 neutrons. It is one of the three naturally occurring isotopes of carbon, along with 12C and 13C. 14C is produced in the upper atmosphere by cosmic rays striking nitrogen atoms, which convert them to 14N. 14N then decays into 14C with a half-life of 5,730 years.

The amount of 14C in a living organism is in equilibrium with the amount of 14C in the atmosphere. However, when an organism dies, it stops exchanging carbon with the atmosphere and the amount of 14C in its tissues begins to decay. By measuring the amount of 14C in a sample of organic material, scientists can estimate the time since the organism died.

Carbon-14 dating is a very accurate method of dating archaeological findings. However, it is important to note that it can only be used to date materials that were once living. This means that it cannot be used to date rocks or other non-living materials.

The other options are not used in dating archaeological findings.

  • Option A: 92235U is uranium-235, a radioactive isotope of uranium. It is used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
  • Option C: 13H is hydrogen-3, also known as tritium. It is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. It is used in nuclear fusion reactors and in some medical imaging techniques.
  • Option D: 818O is oxygen-18, a stable isotope of oxygen. It is used in some geochemical studies.
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