Which process is involved in determining the age of a prehistoric object?
A)alpha decay
B)beta decay
C)gamma decay
D)X-ray absorption
E)proton absorption

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta decay is involved in determining the age of a prehistoric object through a process called radiocarbon dating. Radiocarbon dating is based on the decay of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 (14C) which is absorbed by all living organisms in the form of carbon dioxide. After an organism dies, the amount of 14C it contains begins to decay at a known rate. By measuring the amount of remaining 14C in a sample and comparing it to the initial amount, scientists can determine how long ago the organism died, and therefore how old the object is.

Which Process Is Involved in Determining the Age of a Prehistoric