Chapter 12: Problem 1

Contrast numerical age with relative age.

Short Answer

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Numerical age is the age of an object or event expressed in years, determined through scientific methods like radiometric dating. Relative age, on the other hand, refers to the age of an object or event in relation to other surrounding objects or events without providing specific numerical age. Numerical age offers precise measurements in years, while relative age helps us understand the chronological sequence of objects or events in relation to one another. For example, radiometric dating can give the numerical age of a rock, whereas studying rock layers or fossils helps us determine the relative age of objects.

Step by step solution

Define numerical age

Numerical age is the age of an object or event expressed in years. It gives us an exact numeric measurement of how old something is. This can be determined through various scientific methods, including radiometric dating, which measures the amount of a specific isotope left in a sample like rock or fossil.

Define relative age

Relative age, on the other hand, is the age of an object or event in relation to other objects or events around it. Instead of providing a specific number in years, relative age helps us understand which object is older or younger when compared to another. This is usually determined through the study of rock layers (stratigraphy) or by observing fossils.

Comparing numerical age and relative age

While both numerical age and relative age provide us with information about the age of objects or events, they differ in the way they present this information. Numerical age gives an exact age in years, whereas relative age only provides information about the comparative age of objects or events. Numerical age is generally more precise, while relative age allows us to understand the chronological sequence of objects or events in relation to one another.

Example of numerical age determination

Suppose we have a rock sample, and we employ radiometric dating to find its age. By measuring the amount of a particular isotope remaining in the sample and applying the appropriate half-life, we might find that the rock is 150 million years old. This is the numerical age of the rock.

Example of relative age determination

Imagine a sequence of rock layers, with layers A, B, and C in descending order (A is the topmost layer, and C is at the bottom). We find a fossil in Layer A and another fossil in Layer B. Based on the principle of superposition, we know that Layer C is the oldest, followed by Layer B, and then Layer A. If Fossil 1 is in Layer B and Fossil 2 is in Layer A, we can then conclude that Fossil 1 is older than Fossil 2, but we don't have an exact age in years. This is an example of determining the relative age of the fossils.

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Contrast numerical age with relative age.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define numerical age

Define relative age

Comparing numerical age and relative age

Example of numerical age determination

Example of relative age determination

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