Anthropology 2229F/G Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Radiocarbon Dating, Benzene, Issf 10 Meter Air Rifle

• School: Western University
• Department: Anthropology
• Course: Anthropology 2229F/G
• Professor: Christopher Ellis

Document Summary

Lecture 15 laboratory methods for radiocarbon dating. Conventional/traditional radiocarbon date generation by: 1. Convert the sample to carbon dioxide and measure the amount of carbon. Count the number of decays in a certain timeframe. Not a direct measurement of c-14: 2. Convert sample into a benzene liquid (c6h6) Add a scintillant gives off light every time a radioactive decay occurs. Count number of decays occur over a period of time. Nuclear accelerators: revolutionized radiocarbon dating, ams dates, run isotopes past powerful magnets, those with a higher mass bend differently past the magnets, advantages: Measures the radiocarbon in the sample directly, not an estimate. Do not need as big a sample (e. g. use a piece of charcoal the size of a pinhead (milligrams) instead of large pieces, single seeds, etc. ) Less standard deviation (+/-), can be within 60 years (gives you a 120 year window) Very expensive to do, about - each; now about.