Absolute Dating

Front

What is the definition of half-life?

Back

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

Front

If the half-life of a radioactive substance is 100 years, how long will it take for the substance to decay to one-fourth of its original amount?

Back

200 years (two half-lives).

Front

What element is commonly used for dating organic materials?

Back

Carbon-14.

Front

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

Back

True.

Front

What is the product of radioactive decay called?

Back

Daughter element.

Front

What is the parent element in radioactive decay?

Back

The original radioactive isotope before decay.

Front

How does radioactive dating work?

Back

It measures the amount of radioactive isotopes and their decay products in a sample to determine age.

Front

What is the significance of carbon-14 in dating?

Back

It is used to date organic materials up to about 50,000 years old.

Front

What happens to the amount of a radioactive substance over time?

Back

It decreases as the atoms decay into stable daughter isotopes.

Front

What is the difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Back

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