Absolute Dating vs Relative Dating

Front

What is the Principle of Superposition?

Back

In an undisturbed sequence of rock layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top.

Front

Where are the oldest fossils typically found according to the law of superposition?

Back

Near the bottom of the rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

If there is 25% of the parent isotope left, how many half-lives have passed?

Back

2 half-lives.

Front

What is the difference between absolute age and relative age?

Back

Only absolute dating finds the age in years, while relative dating indicates which rock is older than another.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is the original element that undergoes radioactive decay called?

Back

Parent element.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is relative dating?

Back

A method used to determine the age of rocks and fossils in relation to one another, without providing a specific age.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is absolute dating?

Back

A method used to determine the actual age of a rock or fossil in years.

Front

What does a half-life represent?

Back

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is a daughter element?

Back

The product of the decay of a parent element.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is the significance of unconformities in geology?

Back

Unconformities represent gaps in the geological record where rock layers have been eroded or not deposited.