The technique known as potassium-argon dating is used to


The technique known as potassium-argon dating is used to date old lava flows and thus any fossilized skeletons found in them, like this 1.8-million-year-old hominid skull. The potassium isotope 40^K has a 1.28 billion year half-life and is naturally present at very low levels. 40^K decays by beta emission into the stable isotope 40^Ar. Argon is a gas, and there is no argon in flowing lava because the gas escapes. Once the lava solidifies, any argon produced in the decay of 40^Ar is trapped inside and cannot escape.

What is the age of a piece of solidified lava with a 40^Ar/ 40^K ratio of 0.11?

Request for Solution File

Ask an Expert for Answer!!
Physics: The technique known as potassium-argon dating is used to
Reference No:- TGS0643680

Expected delivery within 24 Hours