Absolute Dating

Front

An element that has broken down and released particles and energy is said to be _____________.

Back

radioactive

Front

Radiometric dating is possible because the rates of decay of radioactive isotopes __________.

Back

are constant

Front

The element that is the product of radioactive decay is known as the __________.

Back

daughter element

Front

The length of time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay is its __________.

Back

half-life

Front

Scientists use radioactive decay to measure __________.

Back

absolute time

Front

What is the term for the original radioactive element before decay occurs?

Back

parent element

Front

What is the process called when an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation?

Back

radioactive decay

Front

What is the term for the time it takes for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to decay?

Back

half-life

Front

Which isotope is commonly used in radiometric dating of organic materials?

Back

carbon-14

Front

What is the main difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

Relative dating places events in order without exact dates, while absolute dating provides a specific age.