A basalt sample originally contained no

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · US High School · Chemistry · Atomic Structure & Nuclear · Atomic Structure & Nuclear

Problem

^{40}\text{Ar}

. Laboratory analysis now finds that the number of

^{40}\text{Ar}

atoms trapped in the rock is three times the number of remaining

^{40}\text{K}

atoms. Given the half-life of

^{40}\text{K}

1.25\times10^{9}\,\text{years}

, estimate the age of the rock. (a)

1.25\times10^{9}\,\text{years}

(b)

1.9\times10^{9}\,\text{years}

(c)

2.5\times10^{9}\,\text{years}

(d)

3.75\times10^{9}\,\text{years}