Question

which phrase describes the absolute age of a rock?
○ does not provide an exact age
○ is the number of years since it formed
○ is the age compared to other rocks around it
○ indicates whether it is younger or older than the rocks above it

Explanation:

To determine the correct phrase for the absolute age of a rock, we analyze each option:

• "Does not provide an exact age" is incorrect because absolute age aims to give an exact (or near - exact) age.
• "Is the number of years since it formed" is correct. Absolute age of a rock is defined as the numerical age, representing the number of years that have passed since the rock formed. This is determined through methods like radiometric dating.
• "Is the age compared to other rocks around it" and "indicates whether it is younger or older than the rocks above it" describe relative age, which is about the age of a rock in relation to other rocks, not the absolute (numerical) age.

Answer:

B. is the number of years since it formed