Relative/Absolute Dating

Scientists use radioactive decay to measure...

• relative time
• absolute time
• half-lives
• time of day

How does absolute age differ from relative age?

• only absolute dating indicates which rock is older than another
• only absolute dating finds the age in years
• only relative dating finds the age in years

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

• change over time
• change from place to place
• are constant
• vary widely

According to the law of superposition, the oldest fossils are found 

• At the top of the rock layers
• Near the bottom of the rock layers
• In the middle of the rock layers
• Somewhat near the surface

_{Which rock layer in the diagram seems to be the oldest?}

• F
• E
• B
• A

Which type of dating method can be used on rock layers by applying the Law of Superposition?

• relative dating
• absolute dating
• radioactive dating
• radiometric dating

Which of the following is the oldest?

• Layer L
• Intrusion D
• Intrusion H
• Layer E

All plants and ANIMALS contain carbon.

• True
• False

A break in the geologic record that is made when rock layers are ERODED over a long period of time

• superposition

• relative dating

• unconformity

• cross-cutting

How does sedimentary rock usually form?

• Vertically

• Folding

• Diagonally

• Horizontally