Section A - unpaired electrons dating methods

Question 1

what is electron spin resonance (ESR)?

Answer 1

Electron spin resonance (ESR) A repeatable dating method that measures the amount of unpaired electrons in the artefact that have been created over time by ionising radiation.

Question 2

what is thermoluminescence (TL)?

Answer 2

Thermoluminescence (TL) A non-repeatable dating method that depends on the presence of unpaired electrons in the artefact that have been created over time by ionising radiation.

Artefacts must be electrical insulators so can not date metals.

Question 3

what are the forensic science methods to examine archaeological findings?

Answer 3

dating of human, animal remains (bones etc.) and artefacts

detecting modern forgeries of ancient artefacts

detecting stolen artefacts which have been disguised as low-value modern replicas to aid smuggling.

Question 4

what are the archaeological methods to investigate current crimes?

Answer 4

dating of human remains (bones etc.)

ensuring the correct irradiated food that is only allowed within strict legal frameworks.

Question 5

what is a paleodose?

Answer 5

Paleodose: dose of natural radiation accumulated by an archeological sample

Question 6

how do you workout age?

Answer 6

Age = paleodose/annual dose

Question 7

what is saturation?

Answer 7

After about 1 million years, the population of unpaired electrons is maximum. All the available electron trapping sites are occupied. This is called saturation.