How do we know how much radioactive isotope is in fresh volcanic rock?

Subject: How do we know how much radioactive isotope is in fresh volcanic rock?

Date: Mon Oct 4 23:45:29 1999
Posted by Matt
Grade level: 7-9 School: homeschooled
City: Arnold State/Province: Missouri Country: USA
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 939095129.Es

Message:


The formula for radioactive isotope decay requires that you know the
initial percentage of isotope in a little piece of rock.
But was the initial percentage is the same 25 billion-zillion years ago as 
it is today? Is radioactive stuff magically created within the earth 
before a volcano barfs it up? And does it decay inside the earth? HOW DO 
WE KNOW?!!

Re: How do we know how much radioactive isotope is in fresh volcanic rock?

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