Which of the following statements about radioisotopes is false?
A) The half-life of a radioisotope does not vary with temperature or pressure.
B) Carbon-14 is typically used to date the rocks in which fossils are found.
C) The ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 is used in dating fossils.
D) Potassium-40 has an extremely long half-life.
E) The nucleus of a radioisotope can change into that of a different element during decay.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon-14 is used to date organic materials, not rocks. Rocks are typically dated using other isotopes like Uranium-238 or Potassium-40.

Which of the Following Statements About Radioisotopes Is False