Radioactive dating is a method of dating rocks and minerals using radioactive isotopes. These are released as radioactive particles (there are many types). This decay process leads to a more balanced nucleus and when the number of protons and neutrons balance, the atom becomes stable.Radioactive dating is a method of dating rocks and minerals using radioactive isotopes

How is radioactive dating used?

To determine the ages in years of Earth materials and the timing of geologic events such as exhumation and subduction, geologists utilize the process of radiometric decay. Geologists use these dates to further define the boundaries of the geologic periods shown on the geologic time scale.