By Dating Moon Rocks Astronomers Can Determine the Moon's Age

question 197

Multiple Choice

By dating Moon rocks astronomers can determine the Moon's age. How long ago did the Moon form?

• A) The maria are about 3.8 billion years old, suggesting that the entire Moon was molten at that time, so that is its probable age.
• B) The oldest rocks in the lunar highlands are about 4.3 billion years old, so that must be the age of the Moon.
• C) Radioactive dating of Moon rocks brought back to Earth show that the Moon must be about 4.5 billion years old.
• D) Because it cooled and solidified almost to its core, the Moon must be at least a billion years older than Earth. Its age, therefore, must be at least 5.5 billion years.

---

Definitions:

Intelligence Test

A standardized test designed to measure a person's cognitive abilities in relation to their age group.

French Ministry of Education

The government body in France responsible for national educational policy and the direction of the education system in the country.

Stereotype Threat

The risk of confirming negative stereotypes about an individual's racial, ethnic, gender, or cultural group which can affect performance and behavior.

Cultural Stereotypes

Oversimplified and fixed ideas or images of members of a particular group, often based on cultural background, gender, race, etc.