Uranium isotopes percentage 4.5 billion years ago

In summary, the question asks for the percentage of U-235 and U-238 present at the time of the creation of Earth, approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Using the equation N(t) = No e^(-λt), where N(t) represents the amount of a radioactive element at time t, and No is the initial amount, we can determine the ratio of U-235 and U-238 at the time of creation. This is done by setting up two equations, one for each element, and using the given half-lives and the fact that 0.7% of the mineral is U-235 and 99.3% is U-238. Solving for the ratio N1(0
  • #1
HaiderAbbas
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Homework Statement



Please help me solve this problem...
Given T(1/2) of U-235 = 7.04x10^8 yrs (0.7%)
T(1/2) 0f U-238 = 4.468x10^9 yrs (99.3%)
Calculate percentage of U-235 & U-238 at the time of creation of earth(~4.5 billion years ago)


Homework Equations



N(t) = No e^(-λt)

The Attempt at a Solution


λ(U-235) = 9.84x10^-10 per year

λ(U-238) = 1.55x10^-10

Now m confused how to proceed further with percentages...?
 
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  • #2
Today 0.7% of the whole amount of the Uranium mineral is a rock is U235, and 99.3 % is U238. If you call N1(t) the amount of U235 and N2(t) the amount of U238 at time t, then

N1(t)=N1(0) e^(-λ1t)

and

N2(t)=N2(0) e^(-λ2t),

where N1(0) and N2(0) are the amounts of U235 and U238 at the time when the Earth was created. (We assume that mineral have been intact since then.)
You know that

N1(t)/(N1(t)+N2(t)) =0.007

and

N2(t)/(N1(t)+N2(t))=0.993.

Determine the ratio N1(0)/(N1(0)+N2(0)).

ehild
 
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What are uranium isotopes?

Uranium isotopes are different forms of the element uranium, which have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nucleus.

Why is the percentage of uranium isotopes important?

The percentage of uranium isotopes is important because it can provide information about the age and history of a sample, as well as its potential uses in nuclear energy and weapons.

How can we determine the percentage of uranium isotopes 4.5 billion years ago?

Scientists can determine the percentage of uranium isotopes 4.5 billion years ago by analyzing the ratio of different isotopes in rocks or other materials from that time period, using techniques such as radiometric dating.

What does the percentage of uranium isotopes tell us about Earth's history?

The percentage of uranium isotopes can tell us about the formation and evolution of the Earth, as well as the processes that have occurred over billions of years such as radioactive decay, volcanic activity, and erosion.

What is the significance of the 4.5 billion year timeframe?

The 4.5 billion year timeframe is significant because it is the estimated age of the Earth and provides insights into the early stages of our planet's development and the conditions that allowed for the emergence of life.

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