Hey! I have a problem with the following question: The natural radioactive decay
ID: 1298907 • Letter: H
Question
Hey! I have a problem with the following question:
The natural radioactive decay series from 232-Th ends with 208-Pb. Assume that it is possible in a piece of stone to determine the mass for 232-Th and 208-Pb respectively. Derive an equation that gives the relation between the ratio of the masses and the age of the stone. Assume that there was no 208-Pb at the time of beginning of the earth and that no other decay produces 208-Pb.
I don't really know how to solve this problem. Can a i get a strategy to attack this problem. Thankful for all kind of help.
Explanation / Answer
Thorium 232 is the starting radioactive element in a decay series. Beginning with thorium-232, this series includes the following elements: actinium, bismuth, lead, polonium, radium and radon. The series terminates with lead-208.
The half life of Th 232 is about 1.405