There are many different methods that can be used to date things such as fossils, plants, or even rocks. What are some of these methods and how effective are they. How old is the earth? How old are some trees? How old are rocks?
2007-03-07 01:08:27 · 2 answers · asked by its not gay if... 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
There are more than a dozen different types of radiometric dating. Radiometric dating is based on a mathematically accurate and reliable rate of electron transmission in the isotopes of some elements. Depending on the nuclear half life of the element used, the dating technique will be reliable only within a limited time frame (e.g. 50,000 years for carbon-14). The system is effective if properly done, avoiding many possible sources of contaminating one's sample. Radiometric dating is only one system of dating ancient things.
Our sun and its solar system is 4.55-4.6 billion years old. This is not determined through radiometric dating but by an analysis of hydrogen/helium in our sun. The oldest rocks yet found on Earth are 3.85 billion years old (potassium/argon dating). The oldest trees, as determined from counting tree rings, are 8,000 years old.
2007-03-07 05:06:31 · answer #1 · answered by Dendronbat Crocoduck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes very effective even for long periods of time. Based on various materials with very long half lives, the solar system is about 4.5 billion years old.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_dating#Modern_dating_techniques
2007-03-07 09:19:24 · answer #2 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋