The age of a rock or fossil is obtained from radioactive dating.

What can Radioactive dating determine for scientists?

Geologists use radiometric dating to estimate how long ago rocks formed, and to infer the ages of fossils contained within those rocks. The universe is full of naturally occurring radioactive elements. Radioactive atoms are inherently unstable; over time, radioactive parent atoms decay into stable daughter atoms.

What are some commonly used elements when radioactive dating?

Radiometric Age DatingOriginal elementDecay productHalf-life (years)Rubidium-87Strontium-8748.8 billionPotassium-40Argon-401.25 billionSamarium-147Neodymium-143106 billionCarbon-14Nitrogen-145,7302 more rows•Oct 3, 2018

How is radioactive dating important for providing evidence?

Radioactive dating is important for providing evidence for evolution because it shows that life has existed on earth for a long time.

Why is evolution considered a theory Brainly?

Answer: A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of such facts. The facts of evolution come from observational evidence of current processes, from imperfections in organisms recording historical common descent, and from transitions in the fossil record.