What is a closed system, and why is it necessary for a rock or mineral being dated to be a closed
system? What is the result if it is not a closed system? What will be an ideal response?
A closed system means that neither parent nor daughter atoms have been added or removed from the
system since crystallization and that the ratio between them is the result only of radioactive decay. If
the daughter atoms have leaked out of the mineral being analyzed, the calculated age will be too
young; if parent atoms have been removed, the age will be too old.
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Squatter towns are often dangerous places to live because the land they are on is commonly
A. Close to new building construction zones B. Unstable, polluted, or near industrial sites C. Close to major highways D. In the densest parts of the city E. Owned by powerful political figures
Turnagain Heights, was badly damaged by a landslide during the 1964 Alaskan earthquake
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Compared to the mass of an electron, the mass of a proton is
A. very much less. B. identical. C. very much greater. D. greater.
Breathing or consuming toxic wastes
A) can cause cancer, chronic ailments or immediate death. B) is rare because toxic wastes are properly disposed of. C) is only a problem in areas in the former manufacturing belt. D) is only a concern in China's industrial sites. E) is associated with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.