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How Do We Know How Old the Earth Is?

Season 4 Episode 31 | 4m 27s

Since there’s no “established in” plaque stuck in a cliff somewhere, geologists deduced the age of the Earth thanks to a handful of radioactive elements. With radiometric dating, scientists can put an age on really old rocks — and even good old Mother Earth. For the 30th anniversary of National Chemistry Week, this edition of Reactions describes how scientists date rocks.

Aired: 10/22/17
Extras
George visits chemists and discovers that Mexican Coke is doing something secretive.
We test if DNA from strawberries and salmon can really make fabric flame resistant.
Are there really microplastics in chewing gum? George tries to find out.
Is water bending real?
George tries to make a new discovery in a huge field of science... and he might have.
This week Alex takes to the lab and investigates the stable isotopes in 20 different honeys.
Rubbing two balloons together leads George to a shocking discovery.
Is baking soda a legal, performance enhancing drug?
George tries to make electricity using dialysis tubing, toilet parts, and a baby turbine.
Alex wonders what happens when hot water freezes quicker than room temperature water?
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George visits chemists and discovers that Mexican Coke is doing something secretive.
While it looks easy on paper to make citric acid at home, Chem Thug runs into some pitfalls.
We test if DNA from strawberries and salmon can really make fabric flame resistant.
Are there really microplastics in chewing gum? George tries to find out.
Is water bending real?
George tries to make a new discovery in a huge field of science... and he might have.
This week Alex takes to the lab and investigates the stable isotopes in 20 different honeys.
Rubbing two balloons together leads George to a shocking discovery.
Is baking soda a legal, performance enhancing drug?
George tries to make electricity using dialysis tubing, toilet parts, and a baby turbine.