Established Theory:
Atoms of one element decay over time to a different element at specific
rates. By comparing the number of one element to another a specific age
of that material can be determined. This method is considered very
reliable because heat, cold, pressure or moisture does not affect the
rate of decay. One form of Radiometric dating is Radiocarbon Dating.
This form of Dating can only be used on a once living organism. The
number of Carbon-14 atoms compared to Carbon-12 atoms will give an
accurate time of death for that organism. This method is only reliable
to about 50,000 years, after that there is to little Carbon-14
remaining for an accurate dating. Other forms of Radiometric dating
include Potassium-Argon which can be used for the oldest rocks but
considered accurate up to 200,000 years old. Fission Track is only
accurate to several million years old. Thermoluminescence is accurate
to about 300,000 years old. Electron Spin Resonance can be used to date
to 500 million years old.
Alternative Theory:
A rock sample submitted to one form of Radiometric dating would
indicate an age of the rock but, when the same sample is submitted to
another form of Radiometric dating, a completely different age is
given. Many times the suggested age of the rock is determined first
then the method that will match that age is chosen for the test.
Another problem with this form of dating is that it makes allot of
assumptions on the amount of a given atom was in the rock when it was
formed. If a date is given that does not fit with the Old Earth
timeline it is assumed that the rock was contaminated and the test is
inconclusive. The article "What about carbon dating?" from "Answers in Genesis" is refuted by the article "Are Dating Techniques Accurate?" from Answers in Creation". Also see "Bristlecone Pines Tell on C14" by Dr. Erich von Fange Ph.D. on the problems with Carbon-14 dating.
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