Question

Why are different elements used to date the fossil found in different rocks?

Answer 1

The elements are used because the half lives can denote when it was trapped in the rock.

Step-by-step explanation:

The half lives of different elements can help to determine when the fossil was created and without it, it would be much harder to determine the ages of fossils.

Answer 2

Fossil is usually determined in two different ways; the methods include absolute and relative dating. Relative determines the approximate age through comparison with other related rocks and fossils with determinable age.

While absolute determines the age of fossils precisely using the radiometric dating in measuring isotopes decays. Ultimately the dating of fossils happens by relative techniques, and relative compares fossils with known age. Scientist uses different types of minerals to calculate the age of fossils if they have not been dated in the past generations.