Author Question: A neutron star is what can remain after a Type II supernova explosion has destroyed the rest of the ... (Read 69 times)

jman1234

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A neutron star is what can remain after a Type II supernova explosion has destroyed the rest of the star.
 
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Question 2

Suppose you discovered a meteorite that contains small amounts of potassium-40, which has a half-life of 1.3 billion years, and its decay product argon-40.
 
  You determine that 1/16 of the original potassium-40 remains; the other 15/16 has decayed into argon-40. How old is the meteorite? Based on your answer, where is this meteorite probably from?



Bigfoot1984

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Answer to Question 1

TRUE

Answer to Question 2

To reach a fraction of 1/16, the meteorite has been through four half-lives, which means it is 4  1.3 billion = 5.2 billion years old. Since this is older than the solar system, it is probably a rock from interstellar space.



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