Radiometric Dating Quiz

Using the image choose the option that best describes what is happening?

• The bonding of two isotopes.

• Radioactive decay

• Neither of the options

• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which is commonly used in radiometric dating of rocks?

• Carbon-14

• Uranium-238

• Oxygen-16

• Nitrogen-14

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

A sample is found to be 11,460 years old and to have 25 percent of the original parent isotope. What is the half life of this parent isotope?

• 1,000 years

• 5,730 years

• 10,000 years

• 15,000 years

Which is the most accurate way to find the age of a fossil that is millions of years old?

• Radiocarbon dating

• Dendrochronology

• Potassium-Argon dating

• Thermoluminescence

What is the term used to describe the amount of time it takes for a radioactive element to decay by half?

• Decay rate

• Half decay

• Half life

• Radiometric interval

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The half life of uranium-238 is 4.5 billion years and the earth is 4.6 billion years old meaning that the amount of uranium-238 left on earth from the beginning of the universe?

• Roughly 10%

• Roughly 25%

• Roughly 45%

• Roughly 50%

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Why is radiometric and relative dating important to geologists?

• Predict future volcanic activity

• Understand the Earth’s magnetic field

• Determine the sequence of geologic events

• Identify mineral content

Why would geologists use multiple radiometric dating methods on the same sample?

• To decrease the risk of radiation poisoning

• To ensure consistency and accuracy

• Because they want to

• The coriolis effect could cause inaccuracy otherwise

A fossil is brought in and tested using radiometric dating. Which elements would most likely be used to determine the age of this sample and why?

• Carbon, because it is found in all living things and is most effective in determining the ages of living organisms.

• Carbon, because everything in existence is made of carbon and is accurate on all dating methods.

• Uranium, because it is found in all living things and is most effective in determining the ages of living organisms.

• Uranium, because everything in existence is made of carbon and is accurate on all dating methods.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

A sample is found to have 12.5% of its original parent element present. How many half-lives has this sample gone through?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8