|
Charlotte Weinstein
Washington University in St. Louis
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Advisor: Assistant Professor Frederic Moynier
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to understand the process of metal/silicate differentiation in asteroids and on Earth. This will be achieved by measuring the Cu isotopic composition of iron meteorites. Since it is impossible to sample the terrestrial core, iron meteorites, which are pieces of the cores of asteroids, serve as the next best alternative. Samples of these meteorites can be analyzed in order to understand the composition of the core and how planetary bodies differentiate. Technically, this project will be achieved by dissolving iron meteorite samples in acid and using chromatography to separate Cu atoms from the matrix solution. These pure Cu atoms will then be passed through a mass spectrometer to separate the isotopes based on mass. Due to time constraints (it has only been two months), this project has not advanced far enough to produce results yet, but progress is expected soon. For now, time is being dedicated to learning the proper techniques associated with working in a clean laboratory and preparing materials necessary for experimentation.
Charlotte Weinstein is originally from Fort Washington, PA. She is currently attending Washington University in St. Louis as an undergraduate student in her freshman year. She expects to complete the geochemistry track of the Earth and Planetary Science major.
|
