How would a scientist determine the absolute age of a fossil?
Probably with carbon 14 dating.
http://dwb4.unl.edu/Chem/CHEM869Z/CHEM869ZLinks/www.all.mq.edu.au/online/edu/egypt/carbdate.htm
thanks
To determine the absolute age of a fossil, scientists use a variety of methods, such as radiometric dating. This method relies on the decay of radioactive isotopes found in the fossils. Here's how scientists determine the absolute age of a fossil using radiometric dating:
1. Identify a suitable element: Scientists start by identifying a radioactive element that is present in the fossil. Commonly used elements for dating fossils include uranium, potassium, and carbon.
2. Determine the half-life: Each radioactive element has a specific rate of decay known as its half-life. The half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive material to decay into a stable product. Scientists measure the half-life of the chosen element.
3. Measure the parent and daughter isotopes: The radioactive element in the fossil, known as the parent isotope, decays over time into a stable isotope called the daughter isotope. By measuring the amount of parent and daughter isotopes present in the fossil, scientists can calculate how much decay has occurred.
4. Calculate the age: By knowing the half-life of the radioactive element and the ratio of parent to daughter isotopes, scientists can determine the age of the fossil. This calculation is based on the fact that the decay process is constant and predictable.
It's important to note that radiometric dating is just one method used to determine the absolute age of a fossil. Other techniques, such as stratigraphy (study of rock layers) and index fossils (fossils with known ages), are also used by scientists to estimate the age of fossils.