Radiometric Dating

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

A method used to date materials by comparing the abundance of a radioactive isotope to its decay products.

Front

Why is radiometric dating possible?

Back

Because the rates of decay of radioactive isotopes are constant.

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

What is the original element that undergoes radioactive decay called?

Back

Parent element.

Front

What are the two isotopes of carbon commonly used in radiometric dating?

Back

Carbon-12 and Carbon-14.

Front

How do carbon-12 and carbon-14 differ?

Back

They differ in the number of neutrons, not protons.

Front

If the half-life of a radioactive isotope is 100 years, how old is a sample after two half-lives?

Back

200 years.

Front

What is a daughter element in radiometric dating?

Back

The product of the decay of a parent isotope.

Front

What is the significance of a constant decay rate in radiometric dating?

Back

It allows scientists to calculate the age of a sample accurately.

Front

What is the difference between absolute dating and relative dating?

Back

Absolute dating provides a specific age, while relative dating places events in order without exact dates.