Radioactive dating is a method of dating rocks and minerals using radioactive isotopes. The unstable or more commonly known radioactive isotopes break down by radioactive decay into other isotopes.Radioactive dating is a method of dating rocks and minerals using radioactive isotopes

How is radiometric dating performed?

Radiometric Dating It is based on a comparison between the observed abundance of a naturally occurring radioactive isotope and its decay products, using known decay rates. The best-known radiometric dating techniques include radiocarbon dating, potassium-argon dating, and uranium-lead dating.

What causes radiometric dating?

Some minerals in rocks and organic matter (e.g., wood, bones, and shells) can contain radioactive isotopes. The abundances of parent and daughter isotopes in a sample can be measured and used to determine their age. This method is known as radiometric dating.