Astronomy
Astronomy
1st Edition
ISBN: 9781938168284
Author: Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher: OpenStax
bartleby

Concept explainers

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 7, Problem 36E

A radioactive nucleus has a half-life of 5 × 10 8 years. Assuming that a sample of rock (say, in an asteroid) solidified right after the solar system formed, approximately what fraction of the radioactive element should be left in the rock today?

Blurred answer
Students have asked these similar questions
Meihui is at NASA analyzing Moon rocks. In one of the rocks from the lunar highlands, he discovered 49 % of the original uranium-238 remains, while remaining amount of uranium-238 had decayed into lead. The half life of uranium-238 is 4.5 × 109 years. Assume the only decay product is lead. How old is the lunar maria rock in billions of years (109 years)?
15)Based on the information found in modules 2.1 , 2.2 AND 2.3 put the following statements about the formation of the Solar system based on the NEBULAR HYPOTHESIS in the correct order from 1. ‘’OLDEST EVENT’’ (first to form according to the Nebular hypothesis) to 5. ‘’YOUNGEST EVENT’’ (Last to form in the Solar system, based on the sequence of events listed) . • Clusters of molten metals and dust particles stuck together to form rocks • Lighter gases were swept away from center of solar system into outer solar system • One to two proto-planets collide to form our Moon • Mutual gravity caused rocks to come together, eventually to form protoplanets • Heavier rocky material, with metallics with higher melting points are left nearer to sun
In a certain rock, the ratio of lead atoms to uranium atoms is 0.300.Assume that uranium has a half-life of 4.47 × 10^9 y and that the rock had no lead atoms when it formed. How old is the rock?

Chapter 7 Solutions

Astronomy

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
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
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:9781938168284
Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
An Introduction to Physical Science
Physics
ISBN:9781305079137
Author:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Stars and Galaxies
Physics
ISBN:9781305120785
Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
The Solar System
Physics
ISBN:9781337672252
Author:The Solar System
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:9781337399920
Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
The Solar System
Physics
ISBN:9781305804562
Author:Seeds
Publisher:Cengage