Lesson 1.5: Pinpointing Time

Modern geologists use the disintegration of radioactive elements to pinpoint the age of a rock. Lesson 1.5 provides insight into this method of dating rocks.

  • Read pages 319 and 320 of the textbook to the beginning of the investigation.

What is the shape of a curve where a quantity diminishes by a factor of one-half in constant time periods? The next investigation provides you with the answer to this question.

  • Read the investigation on pages 320 and 321 of the textbook. Follow the directions, and answer the questions.

  • Check your answers with those in the “Suggested Answers” in the online course.

  • Read pages 321 to 324 of the textbook, starting at “The New Alchemy” and ending at “1.5 Summary”. Answer the questions as you encounter them.

  • Read “1.5 Summary” on page 324 of the textbook. Then, complete “1.5 Questions”.

    Check your answers with those in the “Practice Answers” in the online course.

Go to Assignment 1.5: Pinpointing Time.