Origin of atmospheric radiocarbon (C-14): Formation mechanism. Identify how radiocarbon is generated naturally in Earth’s atmosphere. Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ACosmic ray neutrons interacting with nitrogen-14 (n + ¹⁴N → ¹⁴C + p)
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BUltraviolet splitting of CO₂
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CLightning converting O₂ to C-14
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DVolcanic emissions of C-14
Answer
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 AnswerCosmic ray neutrons interacting with nitrogen-14 (n + ¹⁴N → ¹⁴C + p)