Relative and Absolute Dating

Front

What is the term for the amount of time it takes for 50% of the remaining radioactive material to decay?

Back

Half-life

Front

What type of dating do scientists use to measure the age of rocks in years?

Back

Absolute dating

Front

What is the age of a rock compared to the ages of other rocks called?

Back

Relative age

Front

How does absolute age differ from relative age?

Back

Only absolute dating finds the age in years.

Front

Which dating method applies the Law of Superposition?

Back

Relative dating

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

A method used to date materials by comparing the abundance of radioactive isotopes.

Front

What is the Law of Superposition?

Back

In undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating determines the order of events, while absolute dating provides a specific age.

Front

What is an example of a radioactive isotope used in dating?

Back

Carbon-14.