In Order to Investigate the Age of a Mineral Sample

question 93

Multiple Choice

In order to investigate the age of a mineral sample believed to be millions of years old, which would be the best choice of radioactive isotope to measure?

• A) (⁵⁹Fe) (t_1/2 = 45.1 d)
• B) (¹²C0) (t_1/2 = 5.72 ×10³ yr)
• C) (⁵³Mn) (t_1/2 = 3.7 ×10⁶ yr)
• D) (⁴⁰K) (t_1/2 = 1.2 ×10⁹ yr)
• E) (²³⁸U) (t_1/2 = 4.51 ×10⁹ yr)

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Definitions:

Mourning War

Indigenous North American warfare practices where raids were conducted to avenge the death of a tribe member or to capture members from other tribes in order to replace the deceased, thus maintaining social stability within the tribe.

New Model Army

A highly disciplined and effective military force organized in 1645 by the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, contributing significantly to their victory over the Royalists.

Society of Friends

Also known as Quakers, this is a Christian denomination known for its commitment to peace, simplicity, and equality.