Chapter 21, Problem 21.99AP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The age of the skulls that were buried in volcanic ash in the Ethiopian village of Herto is given. Various questions based on the decay mechanism are to be answered.

Concept introduction: The emission of radiation by unstable nuclei in the form of alpha, beta particles with a neutrino is called a radioactive decay.

To determine: The decay mechanism for ${}^{40}\text{K}$ to ${}^{40}\text{Ar}$.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The reason behind choosing ${}^{40}\text{Ar}$ rather than ${}^{14}\text{C}$ as the isotope for dating the given remains.