⏰ when
When was radioisotope dating first used to estimate the age of rocks?
Quick Answer
Radiometric dating began in the early 1900s, with Ernest Rutherford and Bertram Boltwood pioneering it around 1905–1907.
The Full Story
The first radioisotope dating methods appeared in the early 20th century after the discovery of radioactivity. Ernest Rutherford and Bertram Boltwood were among the pioneers who realized radioactive decay could be used like a geological clock. Their work opened the way to measuring absolute ages of rocks instead of only relative ages. This transformed geology by showing Earth was far older than previously believed.
Key Facts
1.Pioneering work around 1905–1907
2.Linked to Rutherford and Boltwood
3.Provided absolute ages for rocks
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The clock hidden inside rocks"
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