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hello When will a fossil be used in finding the absolute age of rocks?

if it existed for a long period of time and in a wide area
if it existed for a long period of time and in a small area
if it existed for a limited period of time and in a wide area
if it existed for a limited period of time and in a small area
Which quantity helps determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils?
the ratio of protons to neutrons in carbon-14
the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14
the difference between the number of protons and neutrons in carbon-14
the difference between the amounts of carbon-12 and carbon-14
Which statement best describes why most individual organisms never fossilized?
Chemicals that fossilize organisms are rare.
Conditions for fossilization are rare.
Only organisms with hard parts fossilize.
Only organisms that lived in the ocean fossilize.
The half-life of carbon-14 is 5,700 years. A certain sample of wood has 20 grams of carbon-14 when it is alive.
How many grams of carbon will it have after 5,700 years?
2 grams
40 grams
10 grams
5 grams

1 answer

Let's break down your questions one by one:

  1. When will a fossil be used in finding the absolute age of rocks?

    • The correct condition is if it existed for a limited period of time and in a wide area. This is because index fossils, which are used to date rock layers, are most effective when they are widespread and existed for a relatively short geological timeframe. This allows geologists to correlate the age of rocks across different geographic locations.

  2. Which quantity helps determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils?

    • The correct choice is the ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14. This ratio is essential in radiocarbon dating, which is used to determine the age of organic materials.

  3. Which statement best describes why most individual organisms never fossilized?

    • The correct answer is Conditions for fossilization are rare. Fossilization is a rare process that requires specific environmental conditions, such as rapid burial and anoxic (low-oxygen) environments, which do not occur often.

  4. The half-life of carbon-14 is 5,700 years. A certain sample of wood has 20 grams of carbon-14 when it is alive. How many grams of carbon will it have after 5,700 years?

    • After 5,700 years (one half-life), the amount of carbon-14 in the wood will be halved from 20 grams to 10 grams.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!