Which one of the following statements is true concerning the radioisotope carbon -14 that is used in carbon dating?

Options

A. Carbon-14 is produced by living cells
B. Carbon-14, is produced during `beta^(-)` decay
C. Carbon -14 is produced by the decay of carbon-12
D. Carbon -14 is produced by cosmic rays striking the atmosphere.

Answer

To determine which statement is true concerning the radioisotope carbon-14 used in carbon dating, we can analyze the options provided based on our understanding of carbon-14.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Carbon-14**:
- Carbon-14 (C-14) is an isotope of carbon that is unstable. It is formed in the atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen-14 (N-14).

2. **Decay of Carbon-14**:
- Carbon-14 undergoes beta decay, where it transforms into carbon-12 (C-12) over time. The decay of C-14 occurs at a known rate, which is essential for carbon dating.

3. **Evaluating the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "Carbon-14 is produced by living cells."
- This statement is incorrect. Carbon-14 is not produced by living cells; it is formed in the atmosphere.

- **Statement 2**: "Carbon-14 is produced during beta minus decay."
- This statement is also incorrect. Carbon-14 is not produced during beta decay; rather, it decays via beta minus decay to form nitrogen-14 (N-14).

- **Statement 3**: "It is produced by the decay of carbon-12."
- This statement is incorrect. Carbon-14 is not produced by the decay of carbon-12; instead, carbon-12 is the stable product of the decay of carbon-14.

- **Statement 4**: "Carbon-14 is produced by cosmic rays striking the atmosphere."
- This statement is correct. Carbon-14 is indeed produced when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen in the atmosphere.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The true statement concerning carbon-14 is that it is produced by cosmic rays striking the atmosphere.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement is: "Carbon-14 is produced by cosmic rays striking the atmosphere."

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