Question

sort each phrase about dating the age of rocks into the correct category.
provides a specific time frame
compares age of one rock to others
uses law of superposition
based on elements found in rocks
relative dating
absolute dating

Explanation:

• Relative Dating: This method focuses on the relative order of rocks. The law of superposition (where in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the lower layers are older) is a key principle in relative dating. Also, comparing the age of one rock to others (e.g., if Rock A is below Rock B, Rock A is likely older in a simple undisturbed sequence) is part of relative dating.
• Absolute Dating: This method aims to provide a specific time frame (e.g., a rock is 50 million years old). It is often based on elements found in rocks. For example, radiometric dating (which looks at the decay of radioactive isotopes in rocks) uses elements present in rocks to calculate an absolute age.

Answer:

• Relative Dating: compares age of one rock to others, uses law of superposition
• Absolute Dating: provides a specific time frame, based on elements found in rocks