Of the following methods, the age of the Solar System can be determined most accurately by:
A) measuring the number of craters per square meter on Mercury
B) radioactive dating of rocks retrieved from the Moon
C) carbon dating of rocks from mountains on the Earth
D) measurement of the magnetic field variations in rocks under the Earth's oceans
E) measuring the rate of energy production in the Sun

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioactive dating of rocks retrieved from the Moon is the most accurate method to determine the age of the Solar System because the Moon is believed to have formed around the same time as the Solar System. The rocks retrieved from the Moon have been relatively undisturbed since their formation, and the rocks can be accurately dated using radiometric dating techniques. Other methods listed are not as accurate as radioactive dating of rocks from the Moon.

Of the Following Methods, the Age of the Solar System