Question 2 (4 points) Relative dating and absolute dating are two different methods for finding the age of a rock. Name one advantage of each method and one disadvantage of each method.

Certainly! Here’s a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of relative dating and absolute dating: ### Relative Dating **Advantage:** - **Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness:** Relative dating is often simpler and less expensive than absolute dating methods. It relies on the observation of rock layers (stratigraphy) and the relationships between them, which can be done with basic fieldwork and does not require complex laboratory analysis. **Disadvantage:** - **Lack of Specific Age:** Relative dating does not provide a specific numerical age for the rocks or fossils. It can only determine whether one rock layer is older or younger than another, which can lead to ambiguity in understanding the exact timeline of geological events. ### Absolute Dating **Advantage:** - **Precise Age Determination:** Absolute dating provides a specific age or date range for a rock or fossil, often expressed in years. This is achieved through methods such as radiometric dating, which measures the decay of radioactive isotopes. **Disadvantage:** - **Complexity and Cost:** Absolute dating methods can be more complex and expensive, often requiring specialized equipment and techniques, such as mass spectrometry or other laboratory analyses. Additionally, not all rocks can be dated using these methods, limiting their applicability.