Which method is used to determine the age of a sample by measuring the decay of radioactive material?

The radiometric dating method is used to determine the age of a sample by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes present in that sample. This technique relies on the principle that unstable isotopes decay at a predictable rate, known as a half-life, transforming into stable isotopes over time. By measuring the ratio of the parent radioactive isotope to its decay products in a given sample, scientists can accurately calculate the time that has elapsed since the material was formed.

This method is particularly useful for dating materials such as rocks, fossils, and archaeological artifacts because it can provide ages for samples that are millions to billions of years old. The reliability of radiometric dating has been well-established through various studies and is a cornerstone in fields such as geology and archaeology.

In contrast, other methods mentioned in the choices are not utilized for this purpose. For instance, the accelerated dating method generally refers to assessing certain characteristics of materials but not specifically measuring radioactive decay. Oxygen isotope analysis is typically used to study past climates and changes in Earth's temperature, rather than determining age through radioactive decay. Stratification analysis deals with layers of sedimentary rocks or soils, providing information about geological processes or historical events but not directly dating materials through decay.