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Explain the difference between relative dating and absolute dating

User Jerry
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Answer:

The absolute age gives the actual date while relative dating gives the sequence of events that took place.

Step-by-step explanation:

Absolute dating gives the numerical age of a rock . The absolute dating is known using the idea of radioactivity. The age is usually given in years or some other units of time. Determining the ratio of a radioactive element on a rock and it decay products gives how long the mineral crystallized. Using radioactive elements to ascertain the age of rock is known as isotopic dating. If the half life of an element is known it can be use to determine the absolute age. The half life of an element is the time required for one half of the given radioactive atom to decay. Using radioactivity phenomenon the earth has been estimated to be in existence for over 1.3 billion years.

While

Relative dating gives the sequence which events took place . Fossil records can be use to determine relative age. The pattern of lithologic layering also gives relative age . The relative age compares the stratification events of sediments and fossil deposition . The actual age is usually not known but a kind of fossil record or sediment/rock deposition is used to create a sequential order for dating.

User Eiko
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