Chapter 18, Problem 39E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A rock containing $0.688\text{mg}$ ${}^{\text{206}}\text{Pb}$ for every $1.000\text{mg}$ ${}^{\text{238}}\text{U}$ is given.

Assuming no lead was originally present, and all the ${}^{\text{206}}\text{Pb}$ formed over the years remained in the rock and nuclides formed in intermediate stages of decay is negligible, the age of the rock is to be calculated.

Concept introduction: A process through which an unstable nuclide loses its energy due to excess of protons or neutrons is known as radioactive decay.

To determine: The age of the rock.