Homonym: C-14 (Isotope)
C-14, or carbon-14, is a radioactive isotope of carbon that is naturally found in the environment. It is formed in the atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen-14. Living organisms absorb carbon, including C-14, from the air and food, but when they die, they stop taking in carbon, and the C-14 begins to decay at a known rate.
Scientists use C-14 dating, also known as radiocarbon dating, to determine the age of ancient organic materials, such as wood, bones, and artifacts. This method is valuable in fields like archaeology and geology, helping researchers understand historical timelines and the age of fossils.