Radiometric Dating Flashcards
1
Q
Q: What is radiometric dating?
A
A: A method that uses the natural decay of radioactive isotopes to estimate rock ages.
2
Q
Q: How is the age of a rock calculated in radiometric dating?
A
A: By measuring the ratio of radioactive isotopes to their decay products using a mass spectrometer.
3
Q
Q: Why can’t sedimentary rocks typically be radiometrically dated?
A
A: They are made from older rock fragments already undergoing decay.
4
Q
Q: How can fossils in sedimentary rocks be dated?
A
A: By dating nearby volcanic ash layers.
