The age of rocks is determined by radiometric dating, which looks at the proportion of two different isotopes in a sample. Radioactive isotopes break down in a predictable amount of time, enabling geologists to determine the age of a sample using equipment like this thermal ionization mass spectrometer.
The abundances of parent and daughter isotopes in a sample can be measured and used to determine their age. This method is known as radiometric dating. Over time, the radioactive isotope of potassium decays slowly into stable argon, which accumulates in the mineral.
How do you calculate radiometric dating?
D = D0 + D* Therefore, D = D0 + N (e λ t – 1) or, for small λ t, D = D0 + N λ t , This is the basic radioactive decay equation used for determining ages of rocks, minerals and the isotopes themselves. D and N can be measured and λ has been experimentally determined for nearly all known unstable nuclides.
How can radioactive decay be used to determine the age of a sample?
1:153:14Calculating the age of a sample using 14C decay - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipParts per trillion. So well fill in point four there the initial amount is one part per trillionMoreParts per trillion. So well fill in point four there the initial amount is one part per trillion and the half-life of carbon-14 is 5730 years plus or minus about 40 years will will stick to 5730.