The technique of comparing the abundance ratio of a radioactive isotope to a reference isotope to determine the age of a material is called radioactive dating. Many isotopes have been studied, probing a wide range of time scales.The technique of comparing the abundance ratio of a radioactive isotope

How can we use radioactivity to date things?

Dating Using Radioactive DecayThe best-known techniques for radioactive dating are radiocarbon dating, potassium-argon dating and uranium-lead dating.After one half-life has elapsed, one half of the atoms of the nuclide in question will have decayed into a “daughter” nuclide.More items

How radioactivity can be used to find out how old things are?

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.