Final answer:
Relative dating determines the sequence of events without providing numerical ages while absolute dating gives an approximate numerical age of a rock or fossil using radioactive isotopes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When geologists date events in Earth's history, they have two primary methods at their disposal: relative dating and absolute dating. Relative dating helps scientists to reconstruct a sequence of events without providing numerical ages. It is based on the principle of superposition where lower rock layers are understood to be older than those above. In contrast, absolute dating provides an approximate numerical age of a rock or fossil. This method relies on measuring the decay rate of radioactive isotopes within the materials, such as carbon-14, to establish a more precise age.
Relative dating can be quicker and applied more broadly in the field, irrespective of the rock types. Absolute dating, although more precise in dating a particular event or object, is limited to the types of rocks or materials containing suitable isotopes for measurement.
Furthermore, the use of both dating methods in conjunction allows scientists to piece together the geological history of an area, understanding not only the sequence of events with relative dating but also providing a time scale with absolute dating techniques.