answersLogoWhite

0

Paleontologists can radioactively date a fossil by determining the amount of carbon-14 isotopes remaining in the specimen. Elements decay by half-lives, meaning that after one half-life, half of the sample's radioactive particles are gone.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

TaigaTaiga
Every great hero faces trials, and you—yes, YOU—are no exception!
Chat with Taiga
RafaRafa
There's no fun in playing it safe. Why not try something a little unhinged?
Chat with Rafa
ProfessorProfessor
I will give you the most educated answer.
Chat with Professor

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does radiocarbon dating help scientists understand how old a fossil is?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp