Carbon-14 dating is a useful tool for determining the age of the artifacts of ancient civilizations. However, when future archeologists study ruins of our civilization, they obtain confusing results -- with some artifacts dating MUCH older than others. Which of the following would be an explanation for these results?
A)Variations in the Sun's intensity and production of cosmic rays.
B)Ecosystem changes resulting in a reduction in carbon based life.
C)The use of petroleum based synthetic materials.
D)None of the choices.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The use of petroleum-based synthetic materials would lead to confusing results in carbon-14 dating because these materials are made from ancient carbon, which has little to no carbon-14 remaining. This would make artifacts made from or containing these materials appear much older than they actually are when dated using carbon-14 methods.

Carbon-14 Dating Is a Useful Tool for Determining the Age