Radioactive dating is a scientific process used to accurately measure the age of an object or material. By measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes in a sample, scientists are able to determine the age of the material. The process of radioactive dating works by measuring the decaying rate of certain isotopes, which are atoms with an unstable nucleus. Once a sample is collected, scientists compare the rate of decay of the isotopes against known rates to determine the approximate age of the material.
Radioactive dating has been used to identify an array of substances, from archaeological artifacts such as pottery and bones, to geological samples such as rocks and minerals. It can also be used to date organic material such as plants and animals. The accuracy of radioactive dating depends on the amount of time since the sample was last exposed to radiation, since this affects the rate at which the isotopes decay.
Which statement accurately describes radioactive dating? Radioactive dating is a scientific process used to accurately measure the age of an object or material by measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes in a sample and comparing the rate of decay of the isotopes against known rates.