Process of radioactive dating
The proportion of carbon 14 in the sample examined provides an indication of the time elapsed since death of the sample’s source.
Radiocarbon dating results are reported in uncalibrated years BP (Before Present), where BP is defined as AD 1950.
Calibration is then done to convert BP years into calendar years.
This information is then related to true historical dates.
Labels attached to the packaging materials must not fade or rub off easily.
But archaeology’s aim to understand mankind is a noble endeavor that goes beyond uncovering buried treasures, gathering information, and dating events.
Before deciding on using carbon dating as an analytical method, an archaeologist must first make sure that the results of radiocarbon dating after calibration can provide the needed answers to the archaeological questions asked.