Relative dating determines the relative age of rock layers according to their relative depth. However, radiometric dating determines the absolute age with the use of decaying products of the natural radioactive isotopes.

What is the difference between relative and radioactive dating quizlet?

What is the main difference between relative dating and radiometric dating? Relative dating is based on other items found near the fossil, while radiometric dating is based on the fossil itself.

What is the difference between radioactive dating and radiometric dating?

Radiometric dating, often called radioactive dating, is a technique used to determine the age of materials such as rocks. It is based on a comparison between the observed abundance of a naturally occurring radioactive isotope and its decay products, using known decay rates.