It can be inferred from the passage that radioactive dating is important for estimating the age of

A) all known meters
B) all existing planets
C) the earth
D) the trees

c

To infer the answer to this question, we need to examine the given passage and understand the purpose of radioactive dating.

One method of radioactive dating, known as radiometric dating, is used to estimate the age of rocks and minerals. It relies on the fact that certain elements within these rocks and minerals undergo radioactive decay at a known rate. By measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in a sample, scientists can determine how much time has passed since the rock or mineral formed.

Now, let's look at the question options:

A) All known meters: The passage does not mention anything about meters, so this option is not supported by the passage.

B) All existing planets: The passage specifically talks about radioactive dating being used to estimate the age of rocks and minerals, not planets. Therefore, this option is not supported by the passage.

C) The earth: The passage does not explicitly mention Earth, but since radioactive dating can estimate the age of rocks and minerals on Earth, it can be inferred that it is important for estimating the age of the Earth. This option is supported by the passage.

D) The trees: The passage does not mention anything about trees, so this option is not supported by the passage.

Based on the information given in the passage, the correct answer is C) the earth.

What passage?