Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/carbon dating

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Expert: - 7/11/2005


Question
hello Henry!

I read about rock dating. But one doubt is still a mystery to me i.e, if a building was constructed in 1000 ad then if we test thru carbon dating how come they know that the building was constructed around 1000 ad. In one website it is explained by half life theory.But the rocks which was used to construct that building was well formed before the building.Then if we test the rocks the age of the rocks can be detected but how they calculate the age of the building.

Thanks,
Raghu,
INDIA.

Answer
Carbon dating is done on living things such as wood and usually are related to fireplaces, forges, or textiles.  Rocks would be by a different method and you are correct would not tell you the age of the building.  Bricks on the other hand would be made about the same time they were used.  I would have to see the specific case to give you any more information.

Chemistry (including Biochemistry)

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Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Experience

Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry

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