What happens in the process of radioactive decay? What is the half-life of a radioactive substance, and how is it used to date an object

Question

ell · Answer

The half life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for the original activity of the source to half. During radioactive decay the Nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionising radiation. Geologist use a mass spectrometer to collect information about the amount of isotopes in a rock, which they can then use to calculate half life, and then the age, of the rock.
Hope that helps!(:

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much I didn't understand it at first but your explanation really helped me out a lot. :)