Potassium-Argon Age Calculator
Closed KA rage log(1+(λtotal/λAr) radiogenic Ar/K)/λtotal, independently radiogenic isotope ratio—not total Aror elemental K; retention/initial Arexternal. Caller independently establishes sample/context/calibration applicability; not definitive chronology, provenance, taxonomy, disease or human identity.
Description
Potassium–argon age depends on a radiogenic argon ratio and decay-branch constants.
Potassium–argon age depends on a radiogenic argon ratio and decay-branch constants.1
A conditional calculation does not establish closed-system behavior or separate inherited argon. Use Potassium-Argon Age Calculator to evaluate the supplied inputs under the model explained below.
When to use Potassium-Argon Age Calculator
Use Potassium-Argon Age Calculator to evaluate the supplied inputs under the model explained below. Establish the units, measurement scope and model assumptions before entering values.
How to use Potassium-Argon Age Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the units, measurement scope and model assumptions before entering values.
- Enter Independent radiogenic ar40 over k40 ratio, Caller total k40 decay per year, Caller ar branch decay per year using the field table and validation rules below, then run the tool.
- Read Conditional potassium argon age years; interpret the units, signs, ordering and unknown-value placeholders described below.
- Correct reported input errors and rerun. Apply successful results according to their specific meanings and check the assumptions before using them in a decision.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| independentRadiogenicAr40OverK40Ratio | Independent radiogenic ar40 over k40 ratio | number | Required; constraints below |
| callerTotalK40DecayPerYear | Caller total k40 decay per year | number | Required; constraints below |
| callerArBranchDecayPerYear | Caller ar branch decay per year | number | Required; constraints below |
Enter nonnegative independently resolved radiogenic Ar40/K40 ratio and positive total and argon-branch K40 decay rates per year, with branch≤total. Return log1p(ratio×total/branch)/total in years; zero ratio gives zero. No atmospheric argon correction, sample closure or uncertainties are inferred.
ageYears=ln(1+ArKratio×totalDecay/branchDecay)/totalDecay Use the field order, units and branch conditions described above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| conditionalPotassiumArgonAgeYears | Conditional potassium argon age years | number |
{
"input": {
"independentRadiogenicAr40OverK40Ratio": 0.1,
"callerTotalK40DecayPerYear": 0.001,
"callerArBranchDecayPerYear": 0.0001
},
"output": {
"conditionalPotassiumArgonAgeYears": 693.1471805599452
}
}Limitations and assumptions
A conditional calculation does not establish closed-system behavior or separate inherited argon. Apply the exact scope and assumptions explained above.
All listed fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, incorrect types, nonfinite numbers and sparse arrays fail validation. Domain-specific bounds, alignments and supported tokens are explained above; extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. Input errors differ from successful false results, empty match lists and unknown-evidence placeholders.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Uranium-Series Speleothem Age Calculator for a related task: Uranium-series dating relates activity ratios to decay under a closed-system model.
Use IntCal Calibration Curve Lookup for a related task: Radiocarbon calibration relates calendar years to reference radiocarbon ages and uncertainties.
References
-
Potassium-Argon Age Calculator — tool.io
Similar or alternative tools
- Uranium-Series Speleothem Age Calculator
Uranium-series dating relates activity ratios to decay under a closed-system model.
- IntCal Calibration Curve Lookup
Radiocarbon calibration relates calendar years to reference radiocarbon ages and uncertainties.