3. The characteristic of the radioactive
isotope uranium-238 that makes this
isotope useful for accurately dating the
age of a rock is the isotope's
(1) organic origin
(2) resistance to weathering and erosion
(3) common occurrence in sediments
(4) constant half-life
13



Answer :

Final answer:

The constant half-life of uranium-238 allows accurate dating of rocks by measuring its decay rate.


Explanation:

The characteristic of the radioactive isotope uranium-238 that makes it useful for accurately dating the age of a rock is the isotope's constant half-life.

Uranium-238 has a half-life of 4.5 × 10^9 years, which means it decays at a consistent rate over time, allowing scientists to determine the age of rocks by measuring the ratio of uranium-238 to its daughter isotopes.

By analyzing this radioactive decay process, researchers can determine the age of rocks and even estimate the age of the Earth itself.


Learn more about Radioactive dating here:

https://brainly.com/question/3274297


Other Questions