Age of Earth Quiz

What is the estimated age of the Earth?

• A) 1 billion years
• B) 10 billion years
• C) 4.543 billion years
• D) 20 billion years

How do scientists determine the age of the Earth?

• A) By studying the colors of rocks
• B) By counting the number of fossilized animals
• C) By analyzing the layers of sedimentary rocks
• D) By measuring the temperature of the Earth's core

What is radioactive decay?

• A) The rate at which rocks erode
• B) The release of energy from unstable atoms
• C) The growth process of minerals
• D) The fossilization of ancient plants

How do scientists use radioactive decay to determine the age of rocks?

• A) By measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes present in rocks
• B) By counting the layers of sedimentary rocks
• C) By studying the colors of igneous rocks
• D) By analyzing the size of mineral crystals

What is the law of superposition?

• A) The principle that states older rocks are found above younger rocks
• B) The principle that explains the process of radioactive decay
• C) The principle that describes the movement of tectonic plates
• D) The principle that determines the composition of minerals

What is an example of evidence that supports the age of the Earth?

• A) The discovery of ancient plant fossils
• B) The analysis of moon rocks
• C) The measurement of tectonic plate movement
• D) The observation of volcanic eruptions

Which method of dating allows scientists to determine the relative ages of rocks and minerals?

• A) Radiometric dating
• B) Meteorite dating
• C) Law of superposition
• D) Moon rock analysis

What is the fossil record?

• A) The preserved remains of dinosaurs
• B) The collection of rocks found in caves
• C) The history of life on Earth as seen through fossils
• D) The study of rocks and minerals

What type of dating allows scientists to determine the absolute ages of rocks and minerals?

• A) Radiometric dating
• B) Relative dating
• C) Fossil dating
• D) Moon rock dating

What conclusion can be drawn from the evidence about the age of the Earth?

• A) The Earth is approximately 4.543 billion years old
• B) The Earth is less than 1 million years old
• C) The Earth is 10 billion years old
• D) The Earth's age cannot be determined