It is possible to date the rocks by comparing the amount of specific radioactive isotopes they contain. Which of the statement is correct in this respect:

Correct answer: B. Older sediment layers have less amount of these reaioactive isotopes as that of the young ones.

  • A. Older sediment layers have equal amount of these reaioactive isotopes as that of the young ones
  • B. Older sediment layers have less amount of these reaioactive isotopes as that of the young ones.
  • C. Older sediment layers have greater amount of these radioactive isotopes as that of the young ones.
  • D. Older sediment layers did not have these radioactive isotopes

Explanation

Radioactive parent isotopes decay into daughter products over time, so an older rock generally contains less of the original radioactive isotope than a younger rock, assuming comparable starting conditions. Students may choose greater amount because they associate greater age with more accumulated material, but radiometric dating measures the loss of the parent isotope.

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