Radioactivity in minerals

radioactive isotope or radioisotope

decay constant, half life

nuclear binding energy

electron volt

neutrino, antineutrino, alpha particle, beta particle

beta decay (negatron emission)

positron decay (positron emission)

electron capture decay

alpha decay, fission track

radiation halo

recoil

 

What are the characteristics of unstable isotopes that are useful for addressing geologic problems?

Explain the fundamentals of the 4 types of radioactive decay.  Which one tends to be the method favored by heavy isotopes?

How are fission tracks formed?

How do radiation halos form?

What are some useful isotopes for dating rocks and minerals older than, say, 100 million years?