Origin of atmospheric radiocarbon (C-14): Formation mechanism. Identify how radiocarbon is generated naturally in Earth’s atmosphere. Choose the correct option.

Q: Origin of atmospheric radiocarbon (C-14): Formation mechanism. Identify how radiocarbon is generated naturally in Earth’s atmosphere. Choose the correct option.

Concept Primary mechanism: cosmic rays produce fast neutrons which convert atmospheric ¹⁴N to ¹⁴C. Final Answer Cosmic ray neutrons interacting with nitrogen-14 (n + ¹⁴N → ¹⁴C + p)

Difficulty: Easy

Cosmic ray neutrons interacting with nitrogen-14 (n + ¹⁴N → ¹⁴C + p)
Ultraviolet splitting of CO₂
Lightning converting O₂ to C-14
Volcanic emissions of C-14

Correct Answer: Cosmic ray neutrons interacting with nitrogen-14 (n + ¹⁴N → ¹⁴C + p)

Explanation:

Concept

Primary mechanism: cosmic rays produce fast neutrons which convert atmospheric ¹⁴N to ¹⁴C.

Final Answer
Cosmic ray neutrons interacting with nitrogen-14 (n + ¹⁴N → ¹⁴C + p)

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