Carbon-14 is often used for carbon dating, where scientists measure the rate of carbon-14 decay to determine the age of items. Carbon-14 contains six protons and eight neutrons. During the process of carbon-14 decay, one of its eight neutrons becomes a proton and an electron is emitted. Which of the following is the best explanation of what has occurred?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay of carbon-14 results in the conversion of a neutron to a proton, changing the element from carbon to nitrogen, as the atomic number (number of protons) determines the element.

Carbon-14 Is Often Used for Carbon Dating, Where Scientists Measure