Chapter 6 Lesson 3 Radioactive Dating

Front

What is radioactive dating?

Back

A method used by geologists to determine the absolute ages of rocks by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Front

True or False: Geologists use radioactive dating to determine the absolute ages of rocks.

Back

True

Front

True or False: Some elements can decay over time.

Back

True

Front

True or False: Most elements do not change.

Back

True

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

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

Front

If there is only 25% of the radioactive element left in a sample, how many half-lives have gone by?

Back

2

Front

What is the element that all living things have in common?

Back

Carbon

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

An isotope of an element that is unstable and can decay over time, emitting radiation.

Front

True or False: Carbon-14 is commonly used for dating organic materials.

Back

True

Front

What is the significance of the decay rate in radioactive dating?

Back

The decay rate allows scientists to calculate the age of a sample based on the remaining amount of the radioactive isotope.