Relative and Absolute Dating Flashcard Review

Front

What is the term for the length of time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay?

Back

Half-life

Front

How do sedimentary rocks usually form?

Back

Horizontally

Front

What is the name of the main character in 'The Lion King'?

Back

Simba

Front

If a rock has a half-life of 100 years and 1/8 of the parent isotope remains, how many half-lives have occurred?

Back

3

Front

According to the law of superposition, which layer is the youngest?

Back

Layer A

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

A method of determining the age of a rock or fossil by comparing it to other rocks or fossils.

Front

What is absolute dating?

Back

A method of determining the exact age of a rock or fossil using radiometric techniques.

Front

What does the law of superposition state?

Back

In an undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What is a parent isotope?

Back

The original radioactive isotope that undergoes decay.

Front

What is a daughter isotope?

Back

The product of the decay of a parent isotope.