Which radioactive isotope is commonly used for dating relatively recent fossils (up to about 50,000 years old)? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Which radioactive isotope is commonly used for dating relatively recent fossils (up to about 50,000 years old)?
A. Carbon-14
B. Rubidium-87
C. Potassium-40
D. Uranium-238
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Carbon-14 (radiocarbon) dating is used to determine the age of organic materials up to about 50,000 to 60,000 years old. Living organisms absorb Carbon-14 from the atmosphere. When they die, absorption stops, and the Carbon-14 decays at a known rate (half-life of 5,730 years). By measuring the remaining Carbon-14, the age of the fossil can be calculated.

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Correct Answer: Option C


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