Radiometric Dating Our Solar System

Front

What is the main reason scientists have difficulty determining the exact age of the Earth?

Back

Recycling of Earth's oldest rocks.

Front

The amount of time it takes for a quantity of unstable atoms to decrease to one-half of the original level is called ________.

Back

half-life

Front

What do scientists assume about the formation of solid bodies (planets and moons) in the solar system?

Back

They formed at the same time.

Front

Atoms with significantly more neutrons than protons are considered ____.

Back

Unstable

Front

Where are single zircon crystals with radiometric ages as old as 4.3 billion years found? Options: Northern Michigan, Western Australia, Minnesota River Valley, Canada

Back

Western Australia

Front

Radiometric dating of lunar rocks shows that the solar system formed between ________.

Back

4.53 and 4.58 billion years ago.

Front

Methods used to date ancient rocks: Carbon dating, Radiometric dating, Fossil dating, Stratigraphy

Back

Radiometric dating

Front

The diagram shows the concept of half-lives in radiometric dating.

Back

half-lives

Front

The Acasta Gneiss rock is found in which country?

Back

Canada

Front

How old is Earth?

Back

4.5 billion years old