GK QUESTION#3539
Which process produces radiogenic argon-40 in the Earth’s crust?
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Answer
A. By the radioactive decay of Potassium-40 (K-40)
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Explanation
Radioactive potassium-40 in rocks can decay to argon-40, allowing radiogenic argon to accumulate in the Earth’s crust. Potassium-40 also has a decay branch to calcium-40. Volcanism can release accumulated argon, but release is different from the nuclear process that produces it.