Choose FIVE of the following that are conditions necessary for an accurate isotopic date.Group of answer choicesdecay rates gradually decrease over timedecay rates gradually increase over timedecay rates have been constantmeasurable amounts of daughter atoms are presentmeasurable amounts of parent atoms are presentthe original number of daughter atoms was zero or is, otherwise, knownthe rock has been a closed systemthe rock has been an open systemtwo (or more) radioactive isotopes are present
Question
Choose FIVE of the following that are conditions necessary for an accurate isotopic date.Group of answer choicesdecay rates gradually decrease over timedecay rates gradually increase over timedecay rates have been constantmeasurable amounts of daughter atoms are presentmeasurable amounts of parent atoms are presentthe original number of daughter atoms was zero or is, otherwise, knownthe rock has been a closed systemthe rock has been an open systemtwo (or more) radioactive isotopes are present
Solution
The five conditions necessary for an accurate isotopic date are:
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Decay rates have been constant: This is a fundamental assumption in radiometric dating. It is based on the principle that the decay rates of certain radioactive isotopes remain constant over time.
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Measurable amounts of daughter atoms are present: For an isotopic date to be accurate, there must be a measurable amount of the decay product (daughter atom) present in the sample.
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Measurable amounts of parent atoms are present: Similarly, there must also be a measurable amount of the original radioactive isotope (parent atom) present in the sample.
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The original number of daughter atoms was zero or is, otherwise, known: This is important to accurately calculate the age of the sample. If the original amount of daughter atoms is not known, it can lead to inaccurate results.
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The rock has been a closed system: This means that the rock sample has not gained or lost any parent or daughter atoms since it formed. If the rock has been an open system, it could lead to inaccurate results as the ratio of parent to daughter atoms could have been altered.
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