Directions: For this assignment you will need to read some information about radiometric dating, complete the simulation including table and graph, and then answer the questions that follow.  Those questions should be handed in electronically.

Presentation: Review the information in the presentation below before you read the article.

Reading

1. The Earth Through Time – Principles of Radiometric Dating

Simulation: How can you simulate the radioactive half-life of an element?

Make sure that you read the simulation instructions carefully!

Questions: Answer these questions based on the readings and the simulation.

1. Define half life.
2. Explain the process of radioactive decay.
3. Using the data in Table 1 below, construct a decay curve graph in excel or another spreadsheet program.  The half-life values are approximations.
4. Explain, with a reason, which type of radioisotope you would use for the following artifacts:
   1. Human bones from an ancient settlement.
   2. Ancient rocks from around the time of the beginnings of life on Earth.

Table 1: Radioactive Decay of C-14