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→Principles: wikify
[[Image:C-14decay.JPG|framed|The first-order decay curve of carbon-14 based on the half-life of 5730 years.]]
[[Image:C-14decay.JPG|framed|The first-order decay curve of carbon-14 based on the half-life of 5730 years.]]
The technique is based on comparing the levels of <SUP>14</SUP>C and <SUP>12</SUP>C [[isotope]]s in the sample.
The technique is based on comparing the levels of <SUP>14</SUP>C and <SUP>12</SUP>C [[isotope]]s in the sample.
<sup>14</sup>C is produced in the atmosphere by cosmic ray [[neutron]]s replacing a [[proton]] in [[nitrogen]] (<sup>14</sup>N), producing <sup>14</sup>C.<ref name="TH">Higham, Thomas, [http://www.c14dating.com/int.html Introduction], Radiocarbon web-info.</ref>
<sup>14</sup>C is produced in the atmosphere by [[cosmic ray]] [[neutron]]s replacing a [[proton]] in [[nitrogen]] (<sup>14</sup>N), producing <sup>14</sup>C.<ref name="TH">Higham, Thomas, [http://www.c14dating.com/int.html Introduction], Radiocarbon web-info.</ref>
<sup>14</sup>C is unstable and [[radioactive decay|decays]] back to <sup>14</sup>N, at the rate of 50% every 5,730 years (so after 11,460 years 25% will be left, after 17,190 years 12.5% will be left, and so on).
<sup>14</sup>C is unstable and [[radioactive decay|decays]] back to <sup>14</sup>N, at the rate of 50% every 5,730 years (so after 11,460 years 25% will be left, after 17,190 years 12.5% will be left, and so on).