Answer:
D) the steady, clocklike decay of certain radioactive isotopes over time.
Explanation:
Geologists use radiometric dating to estimate how long ago rocks formed, and to infer the ages of fossils contained within those rocks.
For example, when rocks are formed, such as igneous rocks (formed when molten rocks cools), certain radioactive atoms are trapped inside the rocks during this formation process. Then these radioactive atoms decay over time.
The age of the rock can be estimated by comparing the occurring radioactive isotope within the material to the abundance of its decay products, which form at a known constant rate of decay.
From the options;
A) this is about the formation of the radioactive molecules and not about radiometric dating
B) this is radiocarbon dating (cabon dating/carbon-14 dating)
C) the <em>assumption </em>is wrong since the radioactive isotopes decays not accumulate.
D) the corect option as I explained earlier.
