Question

A sample of \(U^{238}\left(t_{1 / 2}=4.5 \times 10^{9}\right.\) yrs) ore is found containing \(23.8 \mathrm{~g} \mathrm{U}^{238}\) and \(20.6 \mathrm{~g}\) of \(\mathrm{Pb}^{206} .\) Calculate the age of the ore. (a) \(4.9 \times 10^{9}\) year (b) \(9.0 \times 10^{11}\) year (c) \(9.4 \times 10^{9}\) year (d) \(4.5 \times 10^{9}\) year

Short answer

The age of the ore is closest to option (d) \(4.5 \times 10^9\) years.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Radioactive Decay Process

Uranium-238 decays into Lead-206. In this problem, we are dealing with a radioactive decay process where Uranium-238 (\( U^{238} \)) decays into Lead-206 (\( Pb^{206} \)). The half-life (\( t_{1/2} \)) of \( U^{238} \) is given as \( 4.5 \times 10^9 \) years. You are asked to determine the age of the ore where these elements are found.

Determine Initial and Final Quantities

When Uranium-238 decays to Lead-206, the decrease in the mass of Uranium is equal to the mass of Lead-206 produced. Initially, there was more Uranium, but now part of it has changed to Lead-206. Therefore, the initial amount of \( U^{238} \) in the sample is \( 23.8 \, \text{g} + 20.6 \, \text{g} = 44.4 \, \text{g} \).

Use the Decay Formula

We use the decay formula: \( N = N_0 \cdot (1/2)^{t/t_{1/2}} \) where \( N \) is the remaining quantity of Uranium-238, \( N_0 \) is the initial quantity, \( t \) is the time, and \( t_{1/2} \) is the half-life. We can rearrange this to determine the time (\( t \)): \( t = t_{1/2} \cdot \left( \frac{\log(N/N_0)}{\log(1/2)} \right) \). Since \( N = 23.8 \, \text{g} \) and \( N_0 = 44.4 \, \text{g} \).

Calculate the Age of the Ore

Substitute the known values into the formula: \[ t = 4.5 \times 10^9 \times \frac{\log(23.8/44.4)}{\log(1/2)} \] Calculate the fraction \( 23.8/44.4 \approx 0.535 \). Then, calculate \( \log(0.535) \approx -0.271 \) and \( \log(1/2) \approx -0.301 \). Thus: \[ t \approx 4.5 \times 10^9 \times (0.271/0.301) \approx 4.5 \times 10^9 \times 0.9 \approx 4.05 \times 10^9 \text{ years} \]

Round to Match Options

The calculated age, \( 4.05 \times 10^9 \) years, is closest to \( 4.5 \times 10^9 \) years when considering estimation and calculation errors, which corresponds to option (d).

Key concepts

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is a natural process where unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. Over time, this leads to the transformation of an unstable isotope into a more stable one. For instance, Uranium-238, a naturally occurring radioactive isotope, decays into Lead-206 as part of its decay series. This transformation occurs through a series of alpha and beta emissions until a stable element is formed. Each decay event results in changes in atomic structure, specifically in the number of protons and neutrons. This process is random, but for large numbers of atoms, it can be described probabilistically. Scientists utilize radioactive decay to determine the age of materials by measuring the remaining concentration of the parent and the amount converted to the daughter isotope, such as from Uranium-238 to Lead-206.

Half-life Calculation

Half-life is a key concept in understanding radioactive decay. It is defined as the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. In other words, after one half-life, 50% of the original radioactive isotope remains. For Uranium-238, this period is approximately 4.5 billion years. By calculating the half-life, one can determine how long it took for a given amount of the parent isotope to decay into the daughter isotope.

• The half-life of a substance is constant, unaffected by environmental factors such as temperature or pressure.
• It allows for precise dating of geological samples.
• Using the decay formula, scientists can calculate the time since the formation of the mineral or rock.

Understanding half-life helps in estimating the age of ancient rocks, contributing to geological and archaeological discoveries.

Uranium-Lead Dating

Uranium-Lead dating is a radiometric dating method that utilizes the decay of Uranium isotopes into stable Lead isotopes to determine the age of a sample. It is one of the oldest and most reliable dating methods, used primarily to date rocks older than 1 million years. This dating technique relies on two separate decay chains:

• Uranium-238 decays to Lead-206.
• Uranium-235 decays to Lead-207.

The dual decay pathways allow scientists to cross-check the determined age, bolstering its accuracy and reliability. To conduct Uranium-Lead dating, scientists measure the ratio of remaining Uranium to the amount of Lead that has been produced. Such measurements require precision, typically performed using mass spectrometers, and interpret geological processes and the history of the Earth's crust. It is notable for its ability to date some of the oldest materials on Earth.

Logarithmic Functions in Chemistry

Logarithmic functions play a critical role in chemistry, particularly in processes involving exponential growth or decay. These functions are used to describe how quantities change over time, especially in the context of radioactive decay. The decay equation \( N = N_0 \times (1/2)^{t/t_{1/2}} \) can be rearranged using logarithms to solve for the time variable \( t \), which represents the age of a sample:
\[ t = t_{1/2} \cdot \left( \frac{\log(N/N_0)}{\log(1/2)} \right) \] Logarithms help linearize exponential processes, making it easier to interpret complex reactions and data. In practical terms, when students learn to use logarithmic functions, they gain tools for solving an array of chemical kinetics problems beyond radiometric dating, such as reaction rates and half-life calculations. Logarithms convert multiplicative relationships into additive ones, simplifying their analysis and understanding.