Radiometric Dating

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

A method used to determine the age of materials by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Front

What does radioactive decay measure?

Back

Absolute time.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

The length of time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

What is a daughter element?

Back

The product of radioactive decay.

Front

What is a parent element?

Back

The original radioactive isotope that undergoes decay.

Front

Why is radiometric dating possible?

Back

Because the rates of decay of radioactive isotopes are constant.

Front

If a radioactive isotope has a half-life of 5 years, how much of a 100g sample remains after 15 years?

Back

12.5 grams.

Front

What is the significance of half-lives in radiometric dating?

Back

They allow scientists to calculate the age of a sample based on the remaining amount of the radioactive isotope.

Front

How do scientists use radiometric dating in geology?

Back

To date rocks and fossils, providing a timeline of Earth's history.

Front

What is the difference between relative time and absolute time?

Back

Relative time places events in order without exact dates, while absolute time provides a specific age.