Radiometric dating question

david13579

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Which measurement would help determine absolute dates by radiometric means?

A. the accumulation of the daughter isotope
B. the loss of parent isotopes
C. the loss of daughter isotopes
D. all three of these
E. A&B only

2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution
My guess is that it is E since radio dating is measuring the ration of the original isotope versus the new one but I am not sure.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data



2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

Borek

So you think loss of daughter isotopes doesn't influence dating result?

Does it change the ratio?

I must admit I am not sure how to understand "absolute date" in this context, so I can be thinking wrong.

david13579

How I see it is x becomes y and y becomes z but the way I see it y and z and both daughters and the ratio of y and z together versus x is what would give the age. Ie, how I see it no daughters are lost. I'm not sure though which is why I ask for help.

Borek

Each isotope ratio gives separate answer - and each answer should be identical. However, if any of the daughters is lost, it changes all ratios for all isotopes were one isotope is above and one is below the daughter in the chain.

david13579

So the answer is D, all of the above?

Borek

If I understand the question correctly - yes.