Half Life / Alpha Decay Question - No IDea

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the age of a space rock containing 3.20 g of 14762Sm and 0.110 g of 14360Nd, where 14762Sm undergoes alpha decay to 14360Nd with a half-life of 1.06 x 1011 years. The solution approach involves applying the decay formula, assuming the initial sample was entirely composed of samarium, while considering the negligible mass loss due to the minor fraction of neodymium present. This method allows for an accurate estimation of the rock's age based on the current proportions of the isotopes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of alpha decay and half-life concepts
  • Familiarity with radioactive decay formulas
  • Basic knowledge of isotopes and their notation
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and decay rates
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the radioactive decay formula and its applications
  • Learn about isotopic dating methods in geology
  • Explore the implications of mass loss in alpha decay
  • Research the properties and uses of 14762Sm and 14360Nd in scientific studies
USEFUL FOR

Students in geology or nuclear physics, educators teaching radioactive decay, and researchers interested in isotopic dating methods.

wayneinsane
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Half Life / Alpha Decay Question -- No IDea

Homework Statement



A space rock contains 3.20 g of 147 62 Sm and 0.110 g of 143 60 Nd. 147 62 Sm alpha decays to 143 60 Nd with a half-life of 1.06 1011 yr. If the rock originally contained no , how old is it?

Homework Equations



??

The Attempt at a Solution



??
 
Physics news on Phys.org


If you presume that it was all samarium with no neodymium, then all you need to do is apply the decay formula to the original sample as though all the mass was samarium. (Now it's true that the alpha particles emitted represent a loss of mass, but I'd think since the neodymium is a minor fraction of the samarium you can ignore the loss.)
 

Similar threads

Rate of emission of alpha particle in uranium decay
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Energy released through alpha decay
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Half-Life & Constant Emission: Understand Why
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Kinetic Energy for particles (alpha decay)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Physics question about half life / radioactive decay
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Alpha emission decay: maximum possible delay
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Power produced from alpha decay
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate the Half-Life of Thorium-232?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Carbon-14 Half-Life: Calculating Decays After 50,000 Years
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What increases in nucleus as a result of alpha and beta decays
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K