The main condition for the method is that the production rate of isotopes stays the same through ages, i.e. assumes so-called “closed system”. Because of relatively stable sun energy and earth structure we can consider the Earth – Sun system a ” closed system”.

Why is radiometric dating important?

Geologists use radiometric dating to estimate how long ago rocks formed, and to infer the ages of fossils contained within those rocks. The universe is full of naturally occurring radioactive elements. Radioactive atoms are inherently unstable; over time, radioactive parent atoms decay into stable daughter atoms.

What is radioactive dating and why is it important?

By establishing geological timescales, radiometric dating provides a significant source of information about the ages of fossils and rates of evolutionary change, and it is also used to date archaeological materials, including ancient artifacts.