What is radiocarbon dating?
Radiocarbon dating is a method for calculating the age of organic materials. The chemical C-14 is found in all organic material, and is known to decay at a steady rate. By measuring the amount of C-14 in an object containing organic material, the object can be dated to a high degree of accuracy. Archaeologists use this technique to date artifacts such as pottery and building remains by testing the organic material found in or near these artifacts and ruins.