Isotope dating is a method used by scientists to determine the age of rocks, minerals, fossils, and other geological materials. This dating technique relies on the principles of radioactive decay, where isotopes of certain elements decay at a constant rate over time. By measuring the ratios of isotopes in a sample, scientists can calculate the age of the material. Isotope dating is commonly used in geology, archaeology, paleontology, and other fields to establish the timing of important events or processes in Earth's history.