Absolute Dating

Absolute dating is a method used by scientists to determine the exact age of rocks, fossils, or artifacts. It involves measuring the decay of radioactive elements within the material. These elements, like uranium or carbon-14, break down at a predictable rate over time. By calculating how much of the radioactive element remains, scientists can estimate when the material formed. This technique provides a specific age in years, offering precise timelines for Earth's history and the development of life, complementing relative dating methods that only tell whether objects are older or younger than each other.