Which allowed scientists to determine that Earth was at least 4.3 billion years old?
Responses
magnetic field surrounding zircon
magnetic field surrounding zircon - no response given
the radioactive decay of uranium to lead
the radioactive decay of uranium to lead - no response given
chemical reactivity of zircon ions
chemical reactivity of zircon ions - no response given
the electrical conductivity of uranium ions
the electrical conductivity of uranium ions - no response given
Which evidence of the giant impact theory suggests that Earth and the moon may have once been in the same place?
Responses
The composition of moon rocks and some Earth rocks are similar.
The composition of moon rocks and some Earth rocks are similar. - no response given
The amount of water on the moon and on Earth is similar.
The amount of water on the moon and on Earth is similar. - no response given
The temperatures on Earth and on the moon are similar.
The temperatures on Earth and on the moon are similar. - no response given
The type of gases in the atmospheres of Earth and the moon is the same.
The type of gases in the atmospheres of Earth and the moon is the same. - no response given
How long ago do scientists think the solar system formed?
Responses
2.6 billion years ago
2.6 billion years ago - no response given
6.2 billion years ago
6.2 billion years ago - no response given
4.6 billion years ago
4.6 billion years ago - no response given
4.3 million years ago
4.6 billion years ago - no response given
the electrical conductivity of uranium ions - no response given
The correct answer is "the radioactive decay of uranium to lead."
To determine the age of the Earth, scientists use a method called radiometric dating. In this method, they measure the ratio of radioactive isotopes to their decay products in rocks or minerals. Specifically, in the case of Earth's age, scientists use the decay of uranium to lead.
Uranium is a radioactive element that naturally occurs in certain rocks and minerals, including zircon. Over time, uranium undergoes a process called radioactive decay, where it transforms into different isotopes and eventually decays into lead. By measuring the amount of uranium and lead isotopes in a rock or mineral, scientists can calculate how long it took for the uranium to decay to the current amount of lead.
This method has been widely used to determine the age of rocks and minerals on Earth, and through extensive research and analysis, scientists have estimated the age of the Earth to be at least 4.3 billion years old.