all living organisms have carbon-14 in their bodies which is a radioactive element.After the death of an organism,all things except C-14 is lost to the soil. But the C-14 goes on reducing in its amount. Thus scientists are able to calculate the amount of C-14 left in their bodies. Thus they are able to find their ages.This method is known as carbon dating.It is usually used to find the age of fossils.

What is Carbon Dating?
Carbon dating, also known as radiocarbon dating, is a scientific method used to determine the age of organic materials. It relies on the decay of carbon-14 (C-14), a radioactive isotope of carbon.

How Does Carbon Dating Work?
- Carbon-14 is formed in the atmosphere when cosmic rays collide with nitrogen-14.
- Living organisms absorb carbon from their environment, including C-14, while they are alive.
- Once an organism dies, it stops absorbing carbon, and the C-14 begins to decay at a known rate, with a half-life of approximately 5,730 years.

Steps in Carbon Dating
1. **Sample Collection**: Organic materials, such as wood, bones, or shells, are collected for analysis.
2. **Measurement of C-14**: The amount of C-14 remaining in the sample is measured using techniques like accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) or liquid scintillation counting.
3. **Age Calculation**: Scientists compare the ratio of C-14 to stable carbon isotopes (C-12 and C-13) to estimate the time since the organism's death.

Applications of Carbon Dating
- **Archaeology**: Helps date ancient artifacts and sites.
- **Paleontology**: Assists in understanding the timing of extinct species.
- **Geology**: Used in dating geological formations and events.

Limitations of Carbon Dating
- Effective for dating materials up to about 50,000 years old.
- Results can be affected by contamination or variations in atmospheric C-14 levels.
In summary, carbon dating is a vital tool for understanding historical timelines and the age of organic remains, providing essential insights into our planet's past.