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A small correction first. Radiometric dating techniques do not date the whole rock. K-Ar dating, for example, dates the last time that the particular mineral you are working with, passed through its crystallization point from a previously hotter condition.

Lavas which chill quickly are good for study, whilst some other metamorphoses have a long cooling curve and a less certain date.

Commonly, one of the micas is used for this as they contain a reasonable quantity of K. However, the half-life for this dating method is about 1.5x109 years.

The presence of an 40Ar decay is signalled by the emission of a positron (inverse beta decay); but in 90% of the decays, 40Ca is formed, with an electron emission (beta decay).

In practice, after only 1000 years, the target decay signal would be difficult to separate from the background noise, for very little 40Ar would have yet formed.

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Radiometric dating is least useful for dating what type of rocks?

Radiometric dating is least useful for dating sedimentary rocks because they are formed from the accumulation of sediments, making it difficult to determine the original isotopic composition.


What is the date the earth was formed?

well in many believes is that the earth was always here and will always be.


When was the earth first formed?

The Earth is estimated to have formed around 4.5 billion years ago, based on evidence from radiometric dating of meteorites and rocks. This age is determined by analyzing the oldest known rocks on Earth and dating the composition of meteorites.


Radiometric dating does not usually work with sedimentary rocks because they?

Radiometric dating is not usually effective for sedimentary rocks because they are formed from fragments of other rocks and do not contain the necessary minerals for radioactive decay dating to occur. Sedimentary rocks are composed of material that has been transported and deposited, which can result in a mixture of ages making it difficult to determine the exact age using radiometric dating methods.


The absolute age of a rock is the approximate number of years ago that the rock formed The absolute age of an igneous rock can best be determined by?

The absolute age of an igneous rock can best be determined by radiometric dating methods, such as uranium-lead dating or potassium-argon dating. These methods rely on the natural decay of radioactive isotopes in the rock to calculate the time elapsed since the rock formed.

Related Questions

The radiometric dating of an igneous rock provides .?

the date for which the rock formed


Radiometric dating is least useful for dating what type of rocks?

Radiometric dating is least useful for dating sedimentary rocks because they are formed from the accumulation of sediments, making it difficult to determine the original isotopic composition.


What is the date the earth was formed?

well in many believes is that the earth was always here and will always be.


When is the radiometric clock set in the lifetime of a rock?

The radiometric clock is set when the rock forms, specifically when minerals within the rock crystallize. This initial crystallization is when the minerals begin to accumulate daughter isotopes and start the process of radioactive decay that can be used for dating the rock's age.


What type of dating involves half-lives and can tell in which geologic period a rock was formed?

This is called absolute, isotopic, or radiometric dating.


What rock is radiometric dating not useful on?

Radiometric dating is not useful on sedimentary rocks because they are formed from the accumulation of sediments, which may contain elements with different ages. The process of sedimentation can also disturb the isotopic composition.


The age of the solar system is estimated by the dating of rocks. t or f?

True. The age of the solar system is estimated primarily through radiometric dating of the oldest rocks on Earth and meteorites, which are believed to have formed around the same time as the solar system itself. These methods indicate that the solar system is approximately 4.6 billion years old.


When was the earth first formed?

The Earth is estimated to have formed around 4.5 billion years ago, based on evidence from radiometric dating of meteorites and rocks. This age is determined by analyzing the oldest known rocks on Earth and dating the composition of meteorites.


Radiometric dating does not usually work with sedimentary rocks because they?

Radiometric dating is not usually effective for sedimentary rocks because they are formed from fragments of other rocks and do not contain the necessary minerals for radioactive decay dating to occur. Sedimentary rocks are composed of material that has been transported and deposited, which can result in a mixture of ages making it difficult to determine the exact age using radiometric dating methods.


How old are the Luna maria?

Radiometric dating of moon rocks from the maria indicate that they formed about 3.16 to 4.2 thousand million years ago.


What does radiometric dating provide?

Radiometric dating provides a method for determining the age of materials, such as rocks and fossils, by measuring the abundance of radioactive isotopes and their decay products. This technique relies on the known rates of decay of these isotopes, allowing scientists to calculate the time that has elapsed since the material formed. It is crucial for establishing geological timelines and understanding the history of the Earth and the evolution of life. Overall, radiometric dating offers a reliable means of dating ancient events and processes in Earth’s history.


The absolute age of a rock is the approximate number of years ago that the rock formed The absolute age of an igneous rock can best be determined by?

The absolute age of an igneous rock can best be determined by radiometric dating methods, such as uranium-lead dating or potassium-argon dating. These methods rely on the natural decay of radioactive isotopes in the rock to calculate the time elapsed since the rock formed.