Potassium-argon dating, method of determining the time of origin of rocks by measuring the ratio of radioactive argon to radioactive potassium in the rock. This dating method is based upon the decay of radioactive potassium-40 to radioactive argon-40 in minerals and rocks; potassium-40 also decays to calcium-40.

What does potassium-Argon decay into?

argon 40 When an atom of potassium 40 decays into argon 40, the argon atom produced is trapped by the crystalline structure of the lava. It can only escape when the rock is in its molten state, and so the amount of fossilized argon present in lava allows scientists to date the age of the solidification.

Is potassium-Argon a relative dating technique?

Relative or archeological interest to. Luckily, potassium-argon dating methods is common forms of radioactive potassium-40. Is an absolute age determination used dating, and minerals, and relative dating k–ar dating methods are, is. Potassium-40 to determine relative dating methods can say exactly how old.

Where is potassium-argon dating used?

The potassium-argon dating method has been used to measure a wide variety of ages. The potassium-argon age of some meteorites is as old as 4,500,000,000 years, and volcanic rocks as young as 20,000 years old have been measured by this method.

What type of rocks can u 238 be used to date?

Uranium 238 can only be used to date volcanic rocks of a very old age.