To determine the radiometric age of a rock, scientists must be able to measure very accurately the:
A) unstable parent element.
B) unstable daughter element.
C) stable parent element.
D) stable daughter element.
E) unstable parent element and stable daughter element

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radiometric dating involves measuring the ratio of unstable parent elements to stable daughter elements in a rock sample. The decay of the parent element into the daughter element at a known rate allows scientists to calculate the age of the rock.

To Determine the Radiometric Age of a Rock, Scientists Must