Published November 2002 | Version v1
Journal article Metadata-only

Dating methods enter high-school physics curriculum

Creators

  • 1. Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucleaires (INSTN) CEA Saclay, 91 - Gif-sur-Yvette (France)

Description

The new curriculum of physics of the upper forms in French grammar schools includes a part dedicated to ''nuclear transformations''. One of the applications most often considered in manuals is isotopic dating and generally several methods are explained to pupils: carbon 14 dating, potassium-argon dating (used for dating ancient lava layers) and uranium-thorium dating (used for dating corals). The author reviews with a critical eye the content of manuals and laments through concrete examples the lack of exactness and accuracy of some presentations. (A.C.)

Additional details

Additional titles

Original title (French)
Les methodes de datation font leur rentree au lycee

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Bulletin de l'Union des Physiciens
Journal Volume
96
Journal Issue
no.848
Journal Page Range
p. 1545-1551
ISSN
0366-3876
CODEN
BTUPAJ

INIS

Country of Publication
France
Country of Input or Organization
France
INIS RN
35020703
Subject category
S99: GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS;
Descriptors DEI
ADOLESCENTS; CARBON 14; EDUCATION; EDUCATIONAL TOOLS; ISOTOPE DATING; NUCLEAR PHYSICS
Descriptors DEC
AGE ESTIMATION; AGE GROUPS; BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES; BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES; CARBON ISOTOPES; EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI; ISOTOPES; LIGHT NUCLEI; NUCLEI; PHYSICS; RADIOISOTOPES; YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES

Optional Information

Notes
10 refs.