Using M & M's to Demonstrate Radiometric Dating

[sciencefix]

It's the ratio of the radioactive isotope to the decay element that they check.

[RealInsaneGalvatron]

How do you know how many molecules the fossil started with? All we know is how many it has and how long it takes them to decay. Without a starting point, the math could go anywhere.

[TheAlo32]

@RealInsaneGalvatron The parent element decays into the daughter element. So if you had 50g of uranium and 50g of lead, you know that the lead was once uranium. So one half life ago (700 million years for uranium) there was 100g of uranium. So if you know that there was once 100g, and now there are 50 and 50, you know that the fossil is 700 million years old. Just add the parent to the daughter to determine the original amount.

[floats09]

Only thing I might change is to use all of the same color of M&Ms so that students realize they are the same element. Other than that, good video. :)

[flyingscience]

The archeologist and paleontologists are always confused by the media .Paleontologists seek out animal fossils but archeologists seek human tools buildings Your example works .Thanks for making this .

[sciencefix]

@flyingscience Thanks, I hope it helps other teachers in teaching students.