Exploring Radiometric Dating Techniques

What is the primary evidence used by scientists to understand the history of life on Earth?

• Meteorites

• Ancient manuscripts

• Fossils

• Artifacts

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

How do fossils form?

• Through volcanic activity

• By being buried in sand and mud

• Through chemical reactions

• By freezing in ice

What did scientists develop by comparing fossils in different rock layers?

• A biological classification system

• A geological time scale

• A climate change model

• A map of ancient civilizations

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What was not possible until the understanding of radioactivity?

• Calculating the absolute ages of fossils

• Predicting volcanic eruptions

• Mapping the Earth's surface

• Identifying new species

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the term for the time it takes for half of a radioactive isotope to decay?

• Radioactive interval

• Half-life

• Decay period

• Isotopic duration

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which radioactive isotope is mentioned as decaying into lead-206?

• Thorium-232

• Potassium-40

• Uranium-238

• Carbon-14

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What percentage of uranium-238 would remain in a rock formed 3.5 billion years ago?

• 25%

• 58%

• 90%

• 75%

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Why is an isotope with a shorter half-life better for dating younger rocks?

• It decays more significantly in a shorter time

• It decays more slowly

• It is more stable

• It is easier to measure

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What method do scientists use to determine the ages of rocks and fossils?

• Carbon dating

• Radiometric dating

• Thermoluminescence

• Dendrochronology

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

What has radiometric dating helped scientists achieve?

• Map the entire Earth's crust

• Predict future geological events

• Convert relative ages of rock strata to absolute ages

• Identify new fossil species

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-6