Here's how it works:
* Radioactive isotopes: Certain elements have unstable isotopes that decay over time.
* Half-life: Each isotope has a specific half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms to decay into a stable form.
* Measuring the ratio: By measuring the ratio of the radioactive isotope to its stable decay product in a sample, scientists can calculate how much time has passed since the material was formed.
This method is incredibly useful for understanding the Earth's history and the evolution of life.
