CARBON DATING

is based on the rate of decay of the radioactive or unstable carbon isotope 14 (¹⁴C) formed in the upper atmosphere by the effect of cosmic ray neutrons upon nitrogen 14. The reaction is:

¹⁴N + n => ¹⁴C + p

where n is a neutron and p is a proton

AFTER DEATH, ¹⁴C => ¹⁴N + electron

SO THE AMOUNT OF CARBON-14 DECREASES WITH TIME

AND TELLS WHEN DEATH OCCURRED