Theoretically, all materials containing carbon can be subjected to radiocarbon dating, regardless of the form, i.e., organic or non-organic. The physical aspects of radiocarbon dating explains the presence of ¹⁴C, the process of radioactive decay, age determination, ¹⁴C detection methods, the activity and age calculations, the standard deviation, the average value of a number of ages and propagation of errors, undersized samples, the age limit, and correction for isotope fractionation. Preparation of wood, charcoal, peat, organic deposits, bones, charred bones, and shells is described.