Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 24 - The History of Life on Earth - 24.1 - Events in Earth's History Can Be Dated - 24.1 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 510: 2

Answer

Radioactive isotopes naturally decay over time. This decay is measured in half-lives, or the amount of time for half of the existing quantity to decay and lose its radioactivity. By measuring the amount of a radioactive substance in a sample, scientists can estimate how long ago the sample was formed, given the material's known half-life.

Work Step by Step

Radioactive isotopes naturally decay over time. This decay is measured in half-lives, or the amount of time for half of the existing quantity to decay and lose its radioactivity. By measuring the amount of a radioactive substance in a sample, scientists can estimate how long ago the sample was formed, given the material's known half-life.
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