Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Radiocarbon is produced in the atmosphere as a result of

  1. collision between fast neutrons and nitrogen nuclei present in the atmosphere

  2. action of ultraviolet light from the sun on atmospheric oxygen

  3. action of solar radiations particularly cosmic rays on carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere

  4. lightning discharge in atmosphere
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Carbon-14 (radiocarbon) forms when cosmic ray neutrons collide with nitrogen-14 atoms in the upper atmosphere, transmuting them into radioactive carbon-14. This continuous production maintains the steady-state concentration of radiocarbon used in radiometric dating.

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