University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 43 - Nuclear Physics - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1475: Q43.16

Answer

The proportion of carbon-14/carbon-12 in the atmosphere has changed since 1900.

Work Step by Step

Humans have emitted a lot of carbon into the atmosphere since 1900, for example in the form of carbon dioxide. The primary natural source of C-14 is cosmic ray action on nitrogen in the atmosphere. However, in the 1900s, humans carried out open-air nuclear testing, which also contributed to the amount of C-14.
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