RE: How old is the Earth?
October 15, 2010 at 3:31 am
(This post was last modified: October 15, 2010 at 4:52 am by Anomalocaris.)
(October 14, 2010 at 11:01 pm)TheDarkestOfAngels Wrote: I am fully aware that radioactive elements can be chemically altered. I am also fully aware that everyone who uses radiometric decay in this method is aware of this also and compensates accordingly.
No, radioactive elements can not be altered chemically. Elemental identity is determined by the configuration of the nucleus, and can only be changed by overcoming strong nuclear force that binds protons and neutrons together. Chemistry is an effect of electromagnetic forces involving the electron cloud, and does not significantly effect the nucleus.
If strength of strong nuclear interaction weaken by just 2 magnitudes, atomic nucleus will break apart and all matter as we know them will completely disintegrate. If strong nuclear interaction would strengthen but a little nuclear fusion will become so powerful that the sun will bloat and the earth cook. Any variation in nuclear strong force to substantially effect radioactive decay would also immediately effect the brightness and intensity of stars.
He is full of shit and doesn't know how to stop. Don't let him bullshit you.
