Radiocarbon dating works by comparing the three different isotopes of carbon. Isotopes of a particular element have the same number of protons in their nucleus, but different numbers of neutrons. This means that although they are very similar chemically, they have different masses.

What is carbon12 dating?

Radiocarbon dating uses carbon isotopes. Carbon-14 is an unstable isotope of carbon that will eventually decay at a known rate to become carbon-12. Cosmic rays – high-energy particles from beyond the solar system – bombard Earths upper atmosphere continually, in the process creating the unstable carbon-14.