Question

1. explain how potassium - argon dating works, including its advantages and limitations.

Explanation:

Potassium - 40 in minerals decays to argon - 40 at a known rate. By measuring the ratio of argon - 40 to potassium - 40 in a sample, the age can be calculated. Advantages include its use for dating old rocks (billions of years old) and being applicable to a wide range of rock types. Limitations are that argon can escape during heating or alteration, leading to inaccurate ages, and it is less useful for young samples as too little argon may have accumulated.

Answer:

Potassium - 40 in minerals decays to argon - 40 at a fixed rate. The age is calculated from the argon - 40 to potassium - 40 ratio. Advantages: Can date old rocks and is applicable to many rock types. Limitations: Argon can escape causing inaccuracies and it's not great for young samples.