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Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result of
  • a)
    Collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere.
  • b)
    Action of ultraviolet light from the sun on atmospheric oxygen.
  • c)
    Action of solar radiations particularly cosmic rays on carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.
  • d)
    Lightning discharge in atmosphere.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result ofa)Collision be...
Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as result of collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere.
Nuclear reaction is given as :
7​N14 + 0​n1 → 6​C14 + 1​H1
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Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result ofa)Collision be...
Collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere

Radiocarbon, also known as carbon-14 (C-14), is a radioactive isotope of carbon. It is produced in the atmosphere through a process called nuclear reactions. The correct answer to the question is option 'A', which states that radiocarbon is produced as a result of collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere. Let's understand this process in detail:

Nuclear reactions in the atmosphere

1. Neutrons and nitrogen nuclei: Nitrogen-14 (N-14) is the most abundant isotope of nitrogen in the atmosphere, accounting for about 99.6% of all nitrogen atoms. Neutrons, which are subatomic particles with no electrical charge, are also present in the atmosphere.

2. Collision between neutrons and nitrogen nuclei: In the upper atmosphere, cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles from outer space, collide with atmospheric nuclei. These collisions can cause the release of fast neutrons.

3. Neutron capture: The fast neutrons released in the atmosphere can collide with nitrogen-14 nuclei. When a neutron collides with a nitrogen-14 nucleus, it can be captured by the nucleus.

4. Formation of carbon-14: The capture of a neutron by a nitrogen-14 nucleus results in the formation of carbon-14. This occurs because the nitrogen-14 nucleus undergoes a nuclear reaction known as neutron capture, in which it gains one neutron and loses one proton. As a result, it is transformed into a carbon-14 nucleus.

5. Decay of carbon-14: Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope, meaning it is unstable and undergoes radioactive decay over time. It decays into nitrogen-14 through a process called beta decay. This decay process occurs with a half-life of approximately 5730 years, which means that after this time, half of the carbon-14 in a sample will have decayed.

Conclusion

In summary, radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result of collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei. This process occurs due to the presence of cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere, which release fast neutrons upon collision. When these fast neutrons collide with nitrogen-14 nuclei, carbon-14 is formed through neutron capture. This radioactive carbon-14 then undergoes decay over time. The production of radiocarbon in the atmosphere is a key factor in radiocarbon dating, which is used to determine the age of organic materials.
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Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result ofa)Collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere.b)Action of ultraviolet light from the sun on atmospheric oxygen.c)Action of solar radiations particularly cosmic rays on carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.d)Lightning discharge in atmosphere.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result ofa)Collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere.b)Action of ultraviolet light from the sun on atmospheric oxygen.c)Action of solar radiations particularly cosmic rays on carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.d)Lightning discharge in atmosphere.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for Chemistry 2024 is part of Chemistry preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Chemistry exam syllabus. Information about Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result ofa)Collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere.b)Action of ultraviolet light from the sun on atmospheric oxygen.c)Action of solar radiations particularly cosmic rays on carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.d)Lightning discharge in atmosphere.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Chemistry 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result ofa)Collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere.b)Action of ultraviolet light from the sun on atmospheric oxygen.c)Action of solar radiations particularly cosmic rays on carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.d)Lightning discharge in atmosphere.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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