Radiometric Dating Basics

An atom with a different number of protons and neutrons

• electrons

• isotopes

• ions

• reaction partners

When an unstable radioactive atom decays, it usually turns into:

• a more stable atom
• a less stable atom
• the exact same atom but with less pure energy
• empty space

The original element that undergoes radioactive decay is known as the...

• daughter element
• half-life
• parent element
• carbon-14

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

• daughter element

• half-life

• parent element

• carbon-14

When does radioactive decay occur?

• When the nucleus of an isotope is unstable
• When the nucleus of an isotope is stable
• When the electrons of an isotope are spinning
• When the electrons of an isotope are shared with another isotope

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

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

The time it takes for 50% of the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay to its stable isotope is called _____.

• the daughter product
• geologic time
• the half-life
• the half-time

If the half-life of a radioactive group of atoms is 100 years, then how old is the rock if there have been two half-lives?

• 25 years
• 200 years
• 400 years
• 800 years

Tags

CCSS.HSF.LE.A.4

If 1/2 (50%) of the carbon-14 is remaining then how many half-lives have passed?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

If one-fourth (25%) of the carbon-14 is remaining then how many half-lives have passed?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4