Radioactive dating

Radioactive dating is a scientific method used to determine the age of materials, like rocks or fossils, by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Over time, these isotopes break down into stable forms at a predictable rate, known as their half-life. By comparing the ratio of the original radioactive isotope to the stable product, scientists can calculate how long it has been since the material was formed. This technique provides valuable insights into the history of the Earth and the age of ancient organisms.