A-Z of Archaeology: 'K - Potassium/ Argon Dating' (Special Edition)

[@mrgodliak]

Potassium-Argon dating is rather cool, my anthropology professor told us about when discussing early hominids. Fun refresher, good job!

[@lindazoramdingnghetihranhr4095]

Very helpful.

[@RunRistaStudios]

Love your videos!

[@stoic304]

Thank u very much sir..love from india

[@boriaantik5927]

Well you haven't told the chemical function of k argon dating.

[@Archaeos0up]

Chemical function?

[@boriaantik5927]

@@Archaeos0up how the molecules of k reacts and converts into argon all the process in details.

[@Archaeos0up]

@@boriaantik5927 K-40 doesn't react per se, it decays, resulting in Argon. How Does the Reaction Work? Potassium (K) is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust (2.4% by mass). One out of every 10,000 Potassium atoms is radioactive Potassium-40 (K-40). These each have 19 protons and 21 neutrons in their nucleus. If one of these protons is hit by a beta particle, it can be converted into a neutron. With 18 protons and 22 neutrons, the atom has become Argon-40 (Ar-40), an inert gas. For every 100 K-40 atoms that decay, 11 become Ar-40. stsmith.faculty.anth.ucsb.edu/classes/anth3/courseware/Chronology/09_Potassium_Argon_Dating.html There are more specific physics resources out there if you want that sort of detail. Thanks.

[@boriaantik5927]

@@Archaeos0up thank you I was searching this answer in various video but your explanation satisfied me.