A geologist finds an unidentified fossilized rock in a box in the attic. What type of dating would the scientist use to determine the age of the rock?
relative dating
absolute dating

Question

A geologist finds an unidentified fossilized rock in a box in the attic.  What type of dating would the scientist use to determine the age of the rock? 
       relative dating
       absolute dating

oreolover4876 · Answer

I believe it would be relative.

anonymous · Answer

"Relative dating is the science of determining the relative order of past events (i.e, the age of an object in comparison to another), without necessarily determining their absolute age, (i.e. estimated age)." 
"Absolute dating is the process of determining an age on a specified time scale in archaeology and geology. Some scientists prefer the terms chronometric or calendar dating, as use of the word "absolute" implies an unwarranted certainty and precision."
(Both from Google)
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
What do you think it is?

oreolover4876 · Answer

I still believe it wouldbe relative because to find the age of the rock he would have to compare it with other rocks, and i dont believe tha he can get an exact age by doing so

anonymous · Answer

I will agree with you, but I will also say they can do absolute using radioactive isotopes.

oreolover4876 · Answer

Im honestly not sure which one both of them can be used in this situation and If they were trying to figure this out they would use radioactive isotopes to do so so I think that your answer would be absolute. Since it is just one rock and it isnt around any others. To me this would just be the most logical answer

oreolover4876 · Answer

He still could compare it but i believe absolute would be the most logical and accurate answer

oreolover4876 · Answer

Do of you have an idea on what it could be?

anonymous · Answer

Absolute dating if they want to get an accurate date.