ConcepTest: Calculating Rock Age from Parent Radioactive Isotope
Question:
A radioactive (parent) isotope of element X is discovered in different amounts in four rocks (A, B, C, D) of the same composition. Which rock has the oldest calculated age?
a. 15% of element X remains in Rock A
b. 57% of element X remains in Rock B
c. 28% of element X remains in Rock C
d. 75% of element X remains in Rock D
a. 15% of element X remains in Rock A
b. 57% of element X remains in Rock B
c. 28% of element X remains in Rock C
d. 75% of element X remains in Rock D
Student Responses:
No data yet. The correct response is d.
If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the authors (see link at top of page).
