Question

How do anthropologists use the absolute dating technique to study pre history

Answer 1

In archaeology, absolute dating is most accurate archaeology dating system that can even give a calendar year to the object. It is more dependent on laboratory analysis.

Some of the absolute dating methods are :

1) Radiocarbon Dating In Archaeology : All living being absorb carbon C12 and some amount of radiocarbon c14. Scientist have record of C14 in different organisms. After death radioactive carbon c14 starts to decay. Scientist compare the lose of c14 with actual amount of C14. the missing amount can determine the date the object to a precise period. Can be used only on organic matter.

2) Uranium - Lead Dating Technique In Archaeology: Rocks, that are formed by volcanic reaction or cataclysmic event, contain a small amount of radioactive substance. From the day the rock is formed its radioactivity begins to deplete. Like C14, by measuring the loss, the scientist can determine an age according to known loss rates.

3) Luminescence Dating In Archaeology
Artefacts that are formed from crystalline materials and unearthed can be dated using luminescence analysis.Crystalline minerals when burnt in intense heat will produce different colors of flame.Mostly used to date pottery in archaeology.