[Campbell Biology P.81] Which of the following statements accurately describes the 'half-li... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the 'half-life' of a radioactive isotope, according to the text on radiometric dating?

  • A: The time it takes for an isotope to decay completely into its daughter isotope.
  • B: The time it takes for 50% of the parent isotope to decay.
  • C: The rate at which an isotope decays, which varies with temperature and pressure.
  • D: The total amount of time an isotope remains radioactive before becoming stable.

Explanation

The section 'Radiometric Dating' states: 'A "parent" isotope decays into its “daughter” isotope at a fixed rate, expressed as the half-life of the isotope—the time it takes for 50% of the parent isotope to decay.'