Radiometric dating Most absolute dates for rocks are obtained with radiometric methods. These use radioactive minerals in rocks as geological clocks. These rates of decay are known, so if you can measure the proportion of parent and daughter isotopes in rocks now, you can calculate when the rocks were formed. Most absolute dates

How does radioactive dating determine absolute age?

Absolute dating is used to determine a precise age of a rock or fossil through radiometric dating methods. This uses radioactive minerals that occur in rocks and fossils almost like a geological clock. These isotopes break down at a constant rate over time through radioactive decay.

What is radiometric dating and absolute age?

radiocarbon dating: Radiometric dating technique that uses the decay of 14C in organic material, such as wood or bones, to determine the absolute age of the material. radiometric dating: Determination of the absolute age of rocks and minerals using certain radioactive isotopes.