An important absolute dating measure is the decay of ¹⁴⁷Sm to ¹⁴³Nd. What type of radioactive decay is involved in this parent- daughter pair? A) alpha decay B) beta decay C) a positron capture D) electron capture

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha decay is involved in the transition from Samarium-147 (Sm) to Neodymium-143 (Nd). This process involves the emission of an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), which decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, consistent with the change from Sm to Nd.

An Important Absolute Dating Measure Is the Decay of 147Sm

An Important Absolute Dating Measure Is the Decay of ¹⁴⁷Sm