Suppose there is a mineral body which contained some amount of 238U​, which has a​ half-life of 4.51×109 ​years, but has no​ lead, the end product of the radioactive decay of 238U. If the ratio of 238to lead atoms today is 0.64​, how long ago did the mineral body​ form?

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter30: Nuclear Physics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 27P
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Suppose there is a mineral body which contained some amount of 238U​,

which has a​ half-life of 4.51×109 ​years, but has no​ lead, the end product of the radioactive decay of 238U. If the ratio of 238to lead atoms today is

0.64​, how long ago did the mineral body​ form?
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Radioactive decay
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Modern Physics
Modern Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781111794378
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:
Cengage Learning