Question

Explain how a paleontologist might use absolute dating techniques to determine the age of a fossil.
(WILL FAN AND BEST ANSWER)

Answer 1

When a paleontologist tries to determine a fossils age they use one of two methods. The first method is called relative dating. A cross section of sedimentary rock shows many layers. The oldest layers will be on bottom and the newest ones on top. When fossils are found in a rock, the scientist would start at the bottom and work upward to examine a sequence of fossils in the order the organisms existed. The second method is called absolute dating. Particles called atoms, make up all matter. Atoms are made of small particles. The particles are held together by strong forces. When there is not enough force to hold atom together it is said to be unstable. Unstable atoms decay by releasing either energy or particles. By measuring the ratio of unstable atoms to stable atoms a scientist can determine the approximate age of a rock sample and the fossil it contains

Answer 2

Relative dating and Radioactive dating
absolute dating & relative dating
relative and absolute dating