Let's say that I was lost in the woods, and wandered upon a cabin. I knocked, but no one answered, so I went in (not very considerate). I didn't see anyone, but on the table there was a candle burning. I wondered how long it had been since someone had been there. I then measured the candle and found that it was seven inches tall. I then put marks on the candle one inch apart. I note that in two hours the candle burns two inches. Now I know how long it had been since someone was there -- five hours!
How did I come up with the five hours?
Answer: I assumed that the candle was twelve inches long when it was lighted, along with several other assumptions. My assumption that the candle was twelve inches long when it was lighted was based upon my assumption that the average candle today is twelve inches long.
How do you like my reasoning?
Explanation: My conclusion that the candle had been burning for five hours can be no more valid than the weakest assumption of all the assumptions to be considered. Some assumptions to be considered are as follows:
Twelve inches long when lighted.
Not put out & relighted.
Not tapered.
Air flow in cabin consistent.
Wax consistent.
Wick consistent.
What if any one of my assumptions was incorrect?
Answer: It would completely invalidate my conclusion. The same is true of C-14 dating.
Like the candle illustration, there are several assumptions that must be considered with a Carbon 14 date. Carbon 14 is a dating method for dating organic substance (something that has been alive. First, let's take a very simple look at how the Carbon 14 Dating Method works.
When cosmic rays enter our atmosphere they produce fast moving neutrons, which in turn strike nitrogen, thus producing C-14). C-14 has two additional neutrons in its? nucleus than that of ordinary carbon (C-12). This results in an unstable atom (isotope). The C-14 combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. The combined C-14 and carbon dioxide enters the food chain via plant life. We assume a concentration of C-14 in organics of 24 units (for illustration purposes). We assume a decay rate of 5,600 years for the half-life.
APPLICATION: A bone is tested with the C-14 Method. It is found to contain 12 units of C-14, one-half of 24 units. Conclusion, it has been 5,600 years since the animal died. If it is found to contain 6 units, it has been 11,200 years (two half-lives) since the animal died etc.
Assumptions of C-14
Cosmic rays always the same.
C-14 in life always the same.
Half-life correct.
Decay rate correct.
Specimen not contaminated.
Nitrogen in atmosphere always same.
No C-14 leached out.
Accurate instrumentation.
Method yields consistent results.
Very Important: Before the Flood an extensive water-vapor canopy protected the Earth (Genesis 1:6-8). This canopy would have shielded the Earth from harmful radiation from the cosmos, to include the cosmic rays that produce C-14!!!
Soooooo, all of the assumptions of C-14 MUST be correct for the method to have any validity.
:roll