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Radioactive dating is carried out with substances which were formed at some unknown point in the past and contained a known proportion of a radioactive isotope of some element. Radioisotopes decay into other elements at a fixed and known rate. So, if you know how much of the radioactive isotope is still left in the sample, then you can work out how long it would have taken for the rest to have decayed into other elements. That gives the age of the sample.

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During what century did scientists begin using radioactive technology for radiometric dating?

17th


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My nerdy brother wants to start a radioactive dating website! The use of radiometric, or radioactive, dating was initiated in 1907 by Bertram Boltwood.


What is necessary for you to be able to explain what happens during radioactive decay?

To fully explain radioactive decay you need quantum mechanics.


Does radioactive dating tell the relative age of rocks?

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What is another name for radioactive dating?

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Radioactive dating estimate the age of rocks.


What kind of dating is Carbon-14 an example of?

Carbon-14 is an example of radioactive dating.


How are stratigraphic and radioactive dating different in regards to how they date fossils?

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What kind of dating is done by using radioactive decay?

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Radioactive dating enables geologist to determine what?

Radioactive dating helps geologists determine the age of rocks and minerals by measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes present and their decay products. This information can be used to establish the age of Earth, study the history of geomorphic processes, and analyze the timing of geological events.


What way is the use of radioactive dating more beneficial than the other techniques?

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What is the application of radiation in scientific research?

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