Radiometric dating is a method used to date rocks and other objects based on the known decay rate of radioactive isotopes. The two uranium isotopes decay at different rates, and this helps make uranium-lead dating one of the most reliable methods because it provides a built-in cross-check.Radiometric dating is a method used to date rocks and other objects based on the known decay rate of radioactive isotopes
Why is radiometric dating reliable?
Because they do not have the ideal number of neutrons, the isotopes are unstable and over time they will convert into more stable atoms. The rate of isotope decay is very consistent, and is not effected by environmental changes like heat, temperature, and pressure. This makes radiometric dating quite reliable.
Why is radiometric dating considered more accurate than relative dating?
In relative dating, fossils are dated according to the depth at which they were buried. The fossils which are buried deep inside the earth are more ancient. The absolute dating is more precise than relative dating because it tells the exact age of the fossils.
Why is radiometric dating supposed to be the most accurate method for estimating the age of the Earth?
Radiometric dating, which relies on the predictable decay of radioactive isotopes of carbon, uranium, potassium, and other elements, provides accurate age estimates for events back to the formation of Earth more than 4.5 billion years ago.