Uncover the Mysteries of Radioactive Dating!
How old is the rock containing 10 micrograms of radioactive potassium-40?
A. 5.0 billion years
B. 3.75 billion years
C. 1.25 billion years
D. 2.5 billion years
Answer:
The rock containing 10 micrograms of radioactive potassium-40 is approximately 3.75 billion years old.
Have you ever wondered how scientists determine the age of rocks using radioactive dating? Let's dive into the fascinating world of geochronology!
Based on the given information, we can use the half-life formula to calculate the age of the rock. The formula is:
N = N0 * (1/2)(t/T)
Where:
- N = current amount of radioactive material (10 micrograms)
- N0 = initial amount of radioactive material (80 micrograms)
- t = time that has passed since the rock solidified
- T = half-life of the radioactive material (1.25 billion years)
By rearranging the formula and substituting the given values, we find that the age of the rock is approximately 3.75 billion years. This fascinating technique allows scientists to unravel the mysteries of Earth's ancient history.