Word: c14
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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Carbon 14 has a half life of 5,700 years, i.e., half its atoms disintegrate in that time, giving off radiation. Living plants absorb C14 from the air, and animals get it from plants. Therefore, newly formed organic matter starts out with a standard amount of carbon 14, but after the plant or animal dies, the C14 in its tissues slowly diminishes. When the amount remaining is measured by means of its radiation, the time that has passed since death can be calculated accurately...