Chapter 17, Problem 95E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The age of the rock sample is to be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

Alpha radiation occurs when parent nucleus is unstable.

Unstable nuclei emits small pieces of itself which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons which is equivalent to a helium nucleus, and convert into stable daughter nuclei.

$\text{α particle}{=}^{\text{ 4}}{}_{\text{2}}\text{He}$

The time taken by half of the parent nuclei to decay into daughter nuclei is called half-life.