Explain how the precise timing of an element's radioactive decay helps scientists find the actual age of a material?

Question

anonymous · Answer

help please?

anonymous · Answer

Basically, scientists take radioactive elements in close proximity to a material, and they calculate how much they have decayed. 
They already know how fast any particular element decays, so they can tell how old it is based on how decayed it is. And, of course, if they know how old the element is, they know how old the material is.

anonymous · Answer

Does that make sense?

anonymous · Answer

@Rkb<3NH

anonymous · Answer

yes thanks for your help, i kinda needed it yesterday but that's okay :)

anonymous · Answer

Yeah, that happens a bunch on this site. Plus, even if the person answers in time, often you don't read it until too late. Sorry about that. :( Hopefully next time I'll make it in time! ;)