The discussion centers on the potential of utilizing Boron-11 (B[11]) in conjunction with neutrons to develop a new type of battery or energy source. Participants clarify that B[11] reacts with neutrons to produce Carbon-12 (C[12]) and Nitrogen (N), although there is confusion regarding the bombardment of Earth by neutrons versus neutrinos. The conversation also touches on the implications of Carbon-14 (C[14]) production in the atmosphere and its relevance to dating methods, highlighting inconsistencies in C[14] levels over time.
PREREQUISITESResearchers in nuclear physics, energy technology developers, environmental scientists, and professionals involved in radiocarbon dating methodologies will benefit from this discussion.
Do you have a reference? This is impossible.Originally posted by S = k log w
Good point. What happens in a nuclear reaction? B[11] + one neutron
does yields C[12] + N
The Earth's upper atmosphere is being bombarded by neutrons. The following is a quote from a textbook: "High energy cosmic particles particles[this includes protons and nuetrons] shatter the nuclei of oxygen and nitrogen atoms there releasing neutrons which in turn produce C[14] when they collide with other nitrogin atoms."Originally posted by S = k log w
Thank you. I had erred when I had stated that the Earth was being bombarded by Neutrons.
Originally posted by birdus
The Earth's upper atmosphere is being bombarded by neutrons. The following is a quote from a textbook: "High energy cosmic particles particles[this includes protons and nuetrons] shatter the nuclei of oxygen and nitrogen atoms there releasing neutrons which in turn produce C[14] when they collide with other nitrogin atoms."
The C[14] produced is absorbed by plants and animals. When they die they stop absorbing C[14]. The C[14] decays to C[12] over time. Later, some know-it-all physicist measures the ratio of C[12] to C[14] and determines how long ago the thing died. This is of course based on the assumption that C[14] production in the upper atmosphere has been constant. Unfortunately, we now know that it hasn't been.
Originally posted by birdus
The Earth's upper atmosphere is being bombarded by neutrons. The following is a quote from a textbook: "High energy cosmic particles particles[this includes protons and nuetrons] shatter the nuclei of oxygen and nitrogen atoms there releasing neutrons which in turn produce C[14] when they collide with other nitrogin atoms."
The C[14] produced is absorbed by plants and animals. When they die they stop absorbing C[14]. The C[14] decays to C[12] over time. Later, some know-it-all physicist measures the ratio of C[12] to C[14] and determines how long ago the thing died. This is of course based on the assumption that C[14] production in the upper atmosphere has been constant. Unfortunately, we now know that it hasn't been.
Data from ocean floor sediments, icecores, and such as proven that the C[14] production has not been constant. Extentensive research on tree rings has been going on over the last decade or two to develope correction charts. When I took physical anthropology we were required to do some homework problems to determine the C[14] age of something. To arrive at the solution we had to use a correction chart. The chart showed wide swings in the C[14] over the centuries.Originally posted by Chemicalsuperfreak
What are you talking about? It's been shown that the amount of C14 produced in the atmosphere has been constant at least as long as Carbon dating is good for.