Learning how to constuct a graph of a decaying isotope and using it in radiometric dating
Initial Publication Date: May 9, 2012
Summary
In this exercise students will learn how to construct a decay curve for a radioactive isotope and how to use it in determining the age of an object.
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Learning Goals
Learning outcomes of this exercise:
This exercise what inspired by a real situation in class. it was observed that several students needed extraordinary help in completing the laboratory exercise on radiometric dating. The problem disappeared when this supplement was introduced.
- To plot the natural decay curve for a radioactive isotope during decay
- To plot the curve of daughter atoms produced by radioactive isotope
- To use the curves to work sample problems on absolute dating
Methods of Geoscience
The activity is meant to show student how to represent data graphically. In particular the emphasis is the the natural decay curve.This exercise what inspired by a real situation in class. it was observed that several students needed extraordinary help in completing the laboratory exercise on radiometric dating. The problem disappeared when this supplement was introduced.
Context for Use
An exercise the course laboratory manual requires students to use decay curves to infer radiometric ages of rocks. This exercise is meant to give the student an idea about how the decay curve is constructed and how decay of radioactive isotope is related to the presence of the daughter atoms.
Description and Teaching Materials
Required Items: paper, pencil, graph paper, calculator
Teaching Notes and Tips
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Assessment
This is not the complete activity. Assessment is done for the complete laboratory activity modified with this complement.
References and Resources
There are no additional resources needed.