Question

Why is radiometric dating the most reliable method of dating the geologic past?

a) Radiometric dating is the most reliable method because it considers only sedimentary rocks.
b) Radiometric dating relies on the analysis of radioactive isotopes and their decay products, providing precise dates.
c) Radiometric dating is based on the study of relative rock layer positions.
d) Radiometric dating is not reliable due to the unpredictable nature of radioactive decay.

Answer 1

Radiometric dating is the most reliable method of dating the geologic past because it provides precise dates based on the analysis of radioactive isotopes and their decay products. This technique allows scientists to determine the exact age of rocks and fossils, making it highly accurate and precise.

Step-by-step explanation:

Radiometric dating is the most reliable method of dating the geologic past because it relies on the analysis of radioactive isotopes and their decay products, providing precise dates. This technique measures how much of the radioactive materials in each rock layer have broken down, allowing scientists to determine the exact age of rocks and fossils in each layer. Unlike relative dating methods, radiometric dating provides numerical ages, making it a highly accurate and precise method for determining the age of geological formations.