WebWhen the planets and asteroids formed, they contained a number of different radioactive isotopes, or radionuclides. Radionuclides decay at characteristic rates. The time it takes for half of the atoms of a quantity of a radionuclide to decay, the half-life, is a common way of representing its decay rate. Many radionuclides have half-lives that are similar to or longer … WebEd Mathez: When I was 18 years old, I went to Montana and saw spectacular mountains. I wandered around the mountains to try to figure out how they formed. My mother was actually a geologist, so she probably inspired me without my knowing it. She worked for an oil company, helping them decide where to look for minerals in the deep sea .

How Do Geologists Know How Old a Rock Is? - Utah

WebThe age of a rock can be calculated if we look at the ratio of uranium to lead. The older the rock, the lower the ratio of uranium to lead. Young rocks will have high uranium content … WebGeologists use radiometric dating to estimate how long ago rocks formed, and to infer the ages of fossils contained within those rocks. Radioactive elements decay The universe is full of naturally occurring radioactive elements. Radioactive atoms are inherently unstable; over time, radioactive "parent atoms" decay into stable "daughter atoms." scratch loading screen

Fossils and rock layers (video) Khan Academy

WebMany rocks contain small amounts of unstable isotopes and the daughter isotopes into which they decay. Where the amounts of parent and daughter isotopes can be accurately … WebHow do scientists know how old a rock is? Walk with us through our Rock Garden out in front of the Museum to see one of the oldest rocks on Earth and discove... scratch lmvz