Chapter 16, Problem 1E

How do we know the age of the Sun?

To determine

The age of the Sun and the method to determine it.

Answer to Problem 1E

The age of the Sun is about $4.5$ billion years ago and it is determined by radiometric dating.

Explanation of Solution

Sun is formed nearly at the time of formation of the solar system, so the age of the Sun can be determined by radiometric dating of objects which are known to have formed at the time of Solar system formation.

There is no precise time of the Sun’s birth but it is calculated and found that it is around more than $4.5\text{billion}$ years old.

Radiometric dating is a method used to measure the age of rocks and fossils and other solid objects. This method is reliable because it uses proportions of isotopes and atoms in an object. Carbon-14 is one of the elements used for radiometric dating.

There are various ways to determine the age of the Sun. It can also be done by measuring the half-lives of objects, objects whose decay time is very long can also be used to determine the age of the Sun.

Conclusion:

Thus, the age of the Sun is about $4.5$ billion years ago and it is determined by radiometric dating.