You wanted to determine the age of zircons that fell on Earth as meteorites. You wanted to use the 238U-206Pb method (half-life value = 4.5 billion years). The lab results showed 25% 238U and 75% 206Pb. Which of the following conclusions can you make about the age of zircons and the reliability of the technique? Select from the following and explain. A. The age of the zircons is 1.5 billion years, nearly 1/3 that of our planet’s. These zircons must have come from a different planet within our solar system. B. The lab results are not reliable because it is impossible to get 25% of the parent, 238U and 75% of the daughter, 206Pb. C. The ages of the zircons represent that of our Earth’s (4.5 billion years) and must have come from within our solar system. D. The results are not reliable because 238U and 75% 206Pb is not the best method to determine ages of zircons. E. The zircons, having ages twice as much as our planet’s, must have come from outside of our solar system.

You wanted to determine the age of zircons that fell on Earth as meteorites. You wanted to use the ²³⁸U-²⁰⁶Pb method (half-life value = 4.5 billion years). The lab results showed 25% ²³⁸U and 75% ²⁰⁶Pb. Which of the following conclusions can you make about the age of zircons and the reliability of the technique?

Select from the following and explain.

A. The age of the zircons is 1.5 billion years, nearly 1/3 that of our planet’s. These zircons must have come from a different planet within our solar system.

B. The lab results are not reliable because it is impossible to get 25% of the parent, 238U and 75% of the daughter, 206Pb.

C. The ages of the zircons represent that of our Earth’s (4.5 billion years) and must have come from within our solar system.

D. The results are not reliable because 238U and 75% 206Pb is not the best method to determine ages of zircons.

E. The zircons, having ages twice as much as our planet’s, must have come from outside of our solar system.