Title: NIST Explains Radiometric Dating Method for Determining Ages of Fossils and Ancient Objects
Summary:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided a clear explanation of the radiometric dating method used to determine the ages of fossils and other ancient objects. This scientific technique involves measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes within the object, which occurs at a known, constant rate. By comparing the amount of radioactive material remaining to the amount that has decayed, scientists can calculate the age of the object with a high degree of accuracy.
Radiometric dating has been successfully applied to various materials, including rocks, minerals, and even biological samples like bones and teeth. The method relies on the fact that radioactive isotopes decay at predictable rates over time, allowing scientists to establish a timeline for the object’s age. NIST’s explanation highlights the reliability and precision of this technique, which has been crucial in understanding the Earth’s geological history and the evolution of life on our planet.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-you-know-age-fossils-and-other-old-things
Keywords: quantum, technology, standards
