50
QuizMultiple Choice

N/A — Exam

Question 50 • Chemistry

Molecules in all organisms are composed in part of radioactive carbon-14. Which statement best explains the presence of carbon-14 in organisms?

Answer
A
The radioactive isotope reacts in the same way as stable isotopes in the nuclear reactions in the body.
B
The radioactive isotope reacts in the same way as stable isotopes in the chemical reactions in the body.
C
The radioactive isotope reacts faster than stable isotopes in the nuclear reactions in the body.
D
The radioactive isotope reacts faster than stable isotopes in the chemical reactions in the body.

Explanation

Carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon, so it has the same number of electrons as stable carbon isotopes and behaves similarly in chemical reactions. Organisms take in carbon through food or photosynthesis and use it to build molecules, including molecules containing carbon-14. The isotope does not need to react faster or undergo nuclear reactions in the body.

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