Question

To provide a reliable radiometric date, a mineral must remain in a closed system from the time of its formation until the present. Why is this true?

a) It's not true; minerals can exchange elements freely with their surroundings.
b) This is true because the external environment can alter the mineral's composition, affecting the accuracy of radiometric dating.
c) This is true because minerals are always in a closed system and unaffected by external factors.
d) Radiometric dating is reliable regardless of a mineral's history.

Answer 1

A mineral must remain in a closed system from the time of its formation until the present to provide a reliable radiometric date because any addition or removal of elements can alter the parent-daughter ratio.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that a mineral must remain in a closed system from the time of its formation until the present to provide a reliable radiometric date is true.

This is because any addition or removal of elements from the mineral can alter the parent-daughter ratio and affect the accuracy of radiometric dating.

In a closed system, no external factors can influence the composition of the mineral, ensuring that the calculated age is reliable.