Over geological time, an atom of 238U decays to a stable 206Pb atom in a series of eight alpha emissions, each of which leads to the formation of one helium atom. A geochemist analyzes a rock and finds that it contains 9.0 ×10-5 cm3 of helium (at 0°C and atmospheric pressure) per gram and 2.0 × 10-7g of 238U per gram. Estimate the age of the mineral, assuming that all of the He is retained, and given that t1/2 of 238U is 4.47 × 109 years.
Over geological time, an atom of 238U decays to a stable 206Pb atom in a series of eight alpha emissions, each of which leads to the formation of one helium atom. A geochemist analyzes a rock and finds that it contains 9.0 ×10-5 cm3 of helium (at 0°C and atmospheric pressure) per gram and 2.0 × 10-7g of 238U per gram. Estimate the age of the mineral, assuming that all of the He is retained, and given that t1/2 of 238U is 4.47 × 109 years.
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305580343
Author:Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Publisher:Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Chapter20: Nuclear Chemistry
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 20.125QP
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Over geological time, an atom of 238U decays to a stable 206Pb atom in a series of eight alpha emissions, each of which leads to the formation of one helium atom. A geochemist analyzes a rock and finds that it contains 9.0 ×
10-5 cm3 of helium (at 0°C and atmospheric pressure) per gram and 2.0 × 10-7g of 238U per gram. Estimate the age of the mineral, assuming that all of the He is retained, and given that t1/2 of 238U is 4.47 × 109 years.
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