Absolute and Relative Dating

Geologic time can be estimated using (select all possible answer/s)

• Rock layers and their positions

• Fossils and their locations

• Radioactive decay

• Amino acid

The absolute age of a rock is the approximate numerical age of when that the rock or fossil formed. The absolute age of an igneous rock can best be determined by

• comparing the amounts of decayed and undecayed radioactive isotopes in the rock

• comparing the sizes of the crystals found in the upper and lower parts of the rock

• examining the rock's relative position in a rock outcrop

• examining the environment in which the rock is found

What term is used to describe absolute dating?

• relevant

• close

• exact

• adjacent

The geologic and natural processes have remained comparatively the same throughout time

• TRUE

• FALSE

Which is true about absolute dating?

• breakdown isotopes

• arrange the historical remains in order of their ages

• depends on the traces of radioactive isotopes found in fossils

• all of the above

What is the importance of dating?

• determine the amount of fossils

• determine the age of fossils

• determine the sample of fossils

• determine the particles in fossil

Most absolute dates for rocks are obtained with radiometric methods

• TRUE

• FALSE

Which of the following describes relative dating?

• Precision is high

• Quantitative extent

• Arranges fossils in order

• Works better for metamorphic rocks

To determine on the ages of fossils and rocks, scientist analyze isotopes of radioactive elements.

• TRUE

• FALSE

What can you conclude about relative and absolute dating?