Question

Most geologists accept radiometric dating techniques as valid because

Question 19 options:


Non-radioactive isotopes decay at the same rate as radioactive isotopes.


All radioactive elements used for dating purposes have the same decay rate.


Radioactive elements decay at a constant and measurable rate.


Elements used for radiometric dating have both radioactive and non-radioactive isotopes.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. Radioactive elements decay at a constant and measurable rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Radiometric dating is a technique used by geologists to determine how old some materials or elements are, for example, rocks or fossils. This technique focuses on measuring the decay of radioactive elements in the materials. This is possible because most materials contain traces of radioactive elements and decay at a constant rate over time. which has been widely studied and measured. Due to this, a certain rate of decay is equivalent to a specific number of years and through this, geologists can now the age of rocks and other elements. Thus, this technique is accepted as valid because "radioactive elements decay at a constant and measurable rate".

Answer 2

Most geologists accept radiometric dating techniques as valid because radioactive elements decay at a constant and measurable rate.

Answer: Option C

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists prefer radioactive dating to carbon dating because it is more accurate in measuring. The analysis depends upon the radioactive decay of radioactive isotopes of any matter in a given rock or soil.

The parent atoms and daughter atoms are compared while studying, and hence age can be calculated easily. Radioactive decay depends upon the given half-life of the atom, which is a constant and is known. So, it would be very easy to calculate the number of progeny atoms and parent atoms and find out their age.