carbon 14
Definition
Noun: A radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic mass of 14. It is used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials.
Usage
"Carbon 14" is used as a compound noun, typically in scientific contexts related to archaeology, geology, and chemistry. It refers specifically to the radioactive form of carbon.
Examples
- The age of the ancient wooden tool was determined by measuring its remaining carbon 14.
- Scientists use carbon 14 dating to estimate when prehistoric organisms died.
- The ratio of carbon 14 to carbon 12 in the atmosphere is relatively constant.
Advanced Usage
- "Carbon 14 dating" / "Radiocarbon dating": The primary application of this isotope. This phrase describes the method itself.
- Carbon 14 dating revealed the manuscript was from the 5th century.
- "Carbon 14 decay": Refers to the process by which the unstable isotope transforms into nitrogen-14.
- The half-life of carbon 14 decay is approximately 5,730 years.
Variants and Related Words
- Radiocarbon: A direct synonym for carbon 14.
- C-14: A common abbreviated form.
- Carbon-12: The stable, most abundant isotope of carbon.
- Carbon-13: Another stable isotope of carbon.
- Isotope: A general term for variants of a chemical element with different numbers of neutrons.
Synonyms
- Radiocarbon
Related Phrases
- Half-life of carbon 14: The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
- Carbon 14 content: The amount of the isotope present in a sample.
Noun
-
a radioactive isotope of carbon
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