Nuclear Clocks: Revised

A scientific publication released during the mid-20th century. This informative booklet delves into the principles and applications of radioactive decay for determining the ages of various geological and archaeological finds. It focuses on the intricate details of dating techniques, specifically highlighting methods like carbon-14 dating, rubidium-strontium clocks, and uranium-lead dating. The book explains the concept of ''nuclear clocks'' as mechanisms that utilize the predictable rates of radioactive decay to calculate the age of materials, such as rocks, fossils, and artifacts. Faul discusses the theoretical foundations of nuclear age measurement, alongside practical processes and results from several dating methods, demonstrating their significance in understanding the Earth's history, geological time scales, and human evolution. The text is designed to enhance public knowledge of nuclear energy's impact on society, emphasizing its importance for Americans to grasp the implications of this profound scientific knowledge for responsible citizenship and appreciation of natural history.