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.

Given: Half-life of 238U = 4.47 x 109 years Volume of helium = 9.0 x 10-5 cm3 at 0 oC and…

Answered: Over geological time, an atom of 238U…

Chemistry

10th Edition

ISBN:9781305957404

Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Chapter1: Chemical Foundations

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...

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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^-5cm³of 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 × 10⁹years.

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