Question
Which values do scientists compare when using potassium-argon dating?
the number of stable and unstable parent atoms
the number of non-decayed elements left in the rock
the amount of parent and daughter material trapped in the rock
the amount of gas from the decayed material that has escaped from rock
the number of stable and unstable parent atoms
the number of non-decayed elements left in the rock
the amount of parent and daughter material trapped in the rock
the amount of gas from the decayed material that has escaped from rock
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
In potassium-argon dating, scientists compare **the amount of parent and daughter material trapped in the rock**. Specifically, they measure the concentration of the unstable potassium-40 (parent) and its decay product, argon-40 (daughter), to determine the age of the rock or mineral sample. This ratio allows for the calculation of the time since the rock solidified.
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