"Nitrogen has 7 protons and 7 neutrons. Nitrogen is heated up by cosmic rays, and becomes Carbon-14 (which has 8 neutrons and 6 protons)."
I have two questions:
#1) Is the text between quotes (above) correct?
#2) What are those "cosmic rays"?
I have two questions:
#1) Is the text between quotes (above) correct?
#2) What are those "cosmic rays"?
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1. Not correct.
#2. Cosmic rays are energetic charged subatomic particles, originating in outer space. They may produce secondary particles that penetrate the Earth's atmosphere and surface. The term ray is historical as cosmic rays were thought to be electromagnetic radiation. Most primary cosmic rays (those that enter the atmosphere from deep space) are composed of familiar stable subatomic particles that normally occur on Earth, such as protons, atomic nuclei, or electrons.
#2. Cosmic rays are energetic charged subatomic particles, originating in outer space. They may produce secondary particles that penetrate the Earth's atmosphere and surface. The term ray is historical as cosmic rays were thought to be electromagnetic radiation. Most primary cosmic rays (those that enter the atmosphere from deep space) are composed of familiar stable subatomic particles that normally occur on Earth, such as protons, atomic nuclei, or electrons.