Atmospheric radiocarbon

Atmospheric radiocarbon (carbon-14) is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope in the Earth's atmosphere. It forms when cosmic rays strike nitrogen molecules, converting some into carbon-14. This radioactive carbon mixes with regular carbon dioxide and is absorbed by living organisms. When an organism dies, it stops exchanging carbon, so the carbon-14 gradually decays at a known rate. Scientists measure the remaining carbon-14 in materials like ancient bones or wood to estimate their age. This process, called radiocarbon dating, helps us understand historical timelines and environmental changes over thousands of years.