A volcanic eruption melts a large chunk of rock, and all gases are expelled. After cooling, argon-40 accumulates from the ongoing decay of potassium-40 (half-life of potassium-40 is 1.25 x 109 yr) in the rock. When a piece of rock is analyzed, it is found to contain 1.38 mmol of potassium-40 and 1.14 mmol of argon-40. How long ago did the rock cool?

Chemistry: Principles and Practice
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ISBN:9780534420123
Author:Daniel L. Reger, Scott R. Goode, David W. Ball, Edward Mercer
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Chapter21: Nuclear Chemistry
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 21.54QE
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A volcanic eruption melts a large chunk of rock, and all gases are expelled. After cooling, argon-40 accumulates from the ongoing decay of potassium-40 (half-life of potassium-40 is 1.25 x 109 yr) in the rock. When a piece of rock is analyzed, it is found to contain 1.38 mmol of potassium-40 and 1.14 mmol of argon-40. How long ago did the rock cool?

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