4. Which one of the following is used for dating very old objects of archaeological importance? A.Phosphorus-31 B.Tritium C.Radium D.Carbon-14
Answer: Option D Solution: Radiocarbon dating (usually referred to as simply carbon 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. After plants die or they are consumed by other organisms (for example, by humans or other animals), the incorporation of all carbon isotopes, including 14C, stops. Thereafter, the concentration (fraction) of 14C declines at a fixed exponential rate due to the radioactive decay of 14C.
