Radioactive Dating
Before you begin this assignment, make sure to download the Radioactive Dating Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Introduction
Radiometric dating is completed when scientists compare the ratio of unstable isotopes to stable isotopes in a rock or fossil specimen. Since unstable isotopes have a consistent rate of decay, the comparison allows scientists to provide an absolute age for the rock or fossil. A variety of different radioactive isotopes are used in absolute dating. Different isotopes have different rates of decay. Knowing the half-lives of several radioactive isotopes ensures that scientists can find the absolute age of even the oldest specimens.
Objectives
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop your own hypotheses which describe your expected results. Specifically, why are different elements are used for dating different objects? Record these hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your Radioactive Dating Scientific Investigation Report.
Required Simulation
Radioactive Dating Game
(click on the image below to access simulation)
Provided by:
PhET Interactive Simulations
University of Colorado
http://phet.colorado.edu
Procedure and Data Collection
Data
Using the Data section of the Radioactive Dating Scientific Investigation Report, make sure to complete all requested data on the report itself.
Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of your Radioactive Dating Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions:
Half Life
Decay Rates
Measurements
Dating Game
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of your Radioactive Dating Scientific Investigation Report, compose three to four sentences describing an overall conclusion about the relationships you examined in this scientific investigation. Were your hypotheses true or false, and how do you know? Use the data and notes that you collected from your simulation experience to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Experimental Sources of Error
On your Radioactive Dating Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions: Are there any sources of error? If so, what are they, and what could be done to minimize error?
Once you have completed your scientific investigation, please submit your work to the dropbox.