Question

geologic time periods
the techniques of radiometric dating and index fossils, along with analysis of rock layers, have enabled scientists to build a timeline of earth’s history, called the geologic time scale. this history is classified by eons, eras, and periods, based on how long ago they occurred and what changes took place on earth during those times.

1. most of the coal found on earth today was formed during the carboniferous and permian periods. about how old could a piece of coal be?

type your answer here.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the time range for Carboniferous and Permian

The Carboniferous period started around 359 million years ago, and the Permian period ended around 299 million years ago. So the coal formed during these periods would be at least as old as the start of Carboniferous and at most as old as the end of Permian, but since it's "about how old", we can consider the range or the typical age.

Step2: Calculate the age range

The Carboniferous began 359 million years ago, and the Permian ended 299 million years ago. So the coal formed during these periods would be between 299 million and 359 million years old (or we can take the mid - range or just state the period). But typically, coal from Carboniferous - Permian is around 299 - 359 million years old.

Answer:

A piece of coal formed during the Carboniferous and Permian Periods could be between 299 million and 359 million years old (or approximately 300 - 360 million years old as a rough estimate).