Question

geologic time | quiz (graded) - 10 questions
10 how does radiometric dating differ from the ages of the geologic time scale?
a radiometric dating involves absolute dates; the geologic time scale is measured with relative dates
b radiometric dating can only be used on fossils; the geologic time scale applies only to rocks
c radiometric dating involves unstable, radioactive isotopes; the geologic time scale deals only with stable rocks and compounds
d radiometric dating involves relative dates; the geologic time scale is measured with absolute dates

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Radiometric dating uses absolute dating (e.g., via radioactive decay to get specific ages), while the geologic time scale often uses relative dating (order of events, fossil succession, etc.). This matches the concepts.
• Option B: Radiometric dating can be used on rocks (not just fossils), and the geologic time scale applies to both rocks and fossils for dating events, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: The geologic time scale doesn't deal only with stable rocks/compounds, and radiometric dating uses unstable isotopes, but the description of the geologic time scale here is wrong.
• Option D: Radiometric dating is absolute, and the geologic time scale uses relative dating (opposite of this option), so it's incorrect.

Answer:

A. Radiometric dating involves absolute dates; the geologic time scale is measured with relative dates