Radiometric dating of the most ancient fossils involves ____. A)dating volcanic rocks above and below the fossil-containing layer of sedimentary rock B)calculating the ratio of ¹⁴C to ¹²C in a sample of the fossil C)counting the rings of trees found with the fossils D)comparison of unknown fossils with fossils of known age E)transmission of radio waves through the fossil

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radiometric dating involves measuring the amounts of different isotopes in a sample of rock, such as the radioactive parent isotope uranium-238 and its stable daughter isotope lead-206. By comparing the ratio of these isotopes in a fossil-bearing layer of sedimentary rock to the ratio in volcanic rocks above and below it that have been independently dated, scientists can determine the age of the fossils. Choice B is not a real chemical ratio. Choice C is only applicable to fossils found in or near trees. Choice D may provide some hints, but it is not the most accurate method. Choice E is not a scientific method for dating fossils.

Radiometric Dating of the Most Ancient Fossils Involves ____