Potassium-argon dating method

Potassium-Argon Dating – Meaning, Formula, Limitations and FAQs

Potassium-argon dating is a technique used to date materials such as rocks and fossils. It is based on the fact that potassium decays to argon with a half-life of 1. The amount of argon present in a sample can be used to calculate its age. Verify OTP Code required. I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy. First name. Last name. Grade

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See all related overviews in Oxford Reference ». An absolute dating technique similar to radiocarbon dating but applicable to much older deposits. It is used to determine the age of volcanic rock strata containing or sealing archaeological objects rather than to date the artefacts themselves. In volcanic rocks any argon present will have escaped when the rock was last molten but will start to accumulate again when it solidifies. Thus by carefully measuring the amount of 40 K and 40 Ar present in a sample it is possible to work out how long ago it was that the rock solidified. Subjects: Science and technology. View all reference entries ».

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Potassium Argon Dating

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