The
equations described in part 1 are explored in more detail in part 2.
Growth and decay of parent and daughter isotopes are presented.
This is extended to multiple decays, with the Bateman equation given and
a link to a code to solve the Bateman equation provided. Equations
utilizing cross sections to determined rate of isotope production are
provided. Saturation factors to account
for the decay of the produced isotope are provided. The use of isotopes in dating is described,
with examples provided for 238U, 14C and the Oklo
reactor.
The
homework question at the end of this lecture can be e-mail or returned during
the next class meeting on 23 September.
The information and equations for calculating the age of the Oklo Reactors was really interesting. I didn't think it would be that simple. For dating, how do they determine the ratio of daughter to parent left in a sample? Also, how accurate are they usually?
ReplyDeleteYes I had the same question
ReplyDeleteThe ratio of daughter to parent in the sample at time t (current time) can be measured accurately with mass spectroscopy. Geologist frequently use this as a tool to data minerals. An example of a method, thermal ionization mass spectroscopy, can be found at: http://www.princeton.edu/geosciences/people/schoene/pdf/SchmitzSchoene_G307.pdf. You can also see the following for more details: http://www.dtm.ciw.edu/users/shirey/Shirey_iWeb_Site/Facilities_and_Opportunites.html
DeleteI got a raised eyebrow from my wife while watching this powerpoint. She only saw the headers "Parent daughter relationship" and "dating". I have to study with the door open now. I will say that this presentation was hefty and I had to take a break in the middle.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the correlation of those terms!
DeleteComplete the lecture. This lecture help me further understand how dating works. This lecture helped understand how radioactive nuclei are made.
ReplyDeleteThis part of the lecture has taught me that in addition to decay, dating can be used to tell the age of organic remains.
ReplyDeleteI've completed this lecture.
ReplyDelete