Which quantity helps determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils?(1 point)
Responses
the difference between the number of protons and neutrons in carbon-14
the difference between the number of protons and neutrons in carbon-14
the ratio of protons to neutrons in carbon-14
the ratio of protons to neutrons in carbon-14
the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14
the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14
the difference between the amounts of carbon-12 and carbon-14
the difference between the amounts of carbon-12 and carbon-14
the difference between the amounts of carbon-12 and carbon-14
The correct answer is:
the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14
The correct answer is: the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14.
To determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils, scientists use a method called radiocarbon dating. This method relies on the fact that carbon-14, an isotope of carbon, is present in the atmosphere in a relatively constant ratio with carbon-12.
The ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14 in living organisms is the same as in the atmosphere. However, once an organism dies, it no longer takes in carbon-14 and the amount of carbon-14 gradually decreases over time due to radioactive decay. By comparing the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14 in a sample from a rock or fossil to the known ratio in living organisms, scientists can estimate the age of the sample.
To get the answer to this question, you needed to understand the principles of radiocarbon dating and the role of carbon-12 and carbon-14 in determining the absolute age of rocks and fossils.