How do you determine a rock's age by radioactivity?

Answer by  Eram (18)

The age of rocks may be detected which is based on the presence of naturally occurring long-lived radioactive isotopes of several elements. Radioactive material has a characteristic called ''half-life''.

Answer by  Leonte (76)

You mean radio-carbon dating? It uses radiation to check the concentration of Carbon14 in the rock. Since C14 decomposes over time, the less you find, the older the rock.

Answer by  pryoplasm (444)

You would need a lab, or someone able to do carbon dating for you. Carbon atoms/ions or other specific elements have a specific quantity to them called a half life. This is the amount of time for radioactive decay to lower the total amount of atoms/ions by half. By taking a sample and using established data, you date the rock.

Answer by  Gamerz (133)

First the radioactive material in the rock must be identified. Next, the half life of the radioactive material must be looked up. Then, using the radioactive count of the rock, its age may be determined.