Earth Science Radioactive Decay Quiz

What is the primary purpose of a radioactive decay chart in earth science?

• To determine the age of rocks

• To measure the temperature of rocks

• To identify the color of minerals

• To calculate the density of elements

Which isotope is used to date organic materials and what is its decay product?

• Uranium-238, which decays into Lead-206

• Carbon-14, which decays into Nitrogen-14

• Rubidium-87, which decays into Strontium-87

• Potassium-40, which decays into Argon-40

How long does it take for Potassium-40 to decay into its products?

• 5,700 years

• 1.3 billion years

• 4.5 billion years

• 49 billion years

What is the decay product of Uranium-238?

• Calcium-40

• Lead-206

• Strontium-87

• Nitrogen-14

Why is it important to understand the half-lives of isotopes?

• To measure the volume of water

• To calculate the speed of light

• To predict weather patterns

• To expand the values of half-lives in years