Final answer:
Protons and neutrons released by cosmic ray interactions can lead to the creation of new elements, contribute to cosmic rays, or enrich the Galaxy, influenced by the lifecycle of stars and supernovae.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protons and neutrons knocked out of atmospheric atoms by cosmic rays engage in a series of reactions in the Earth's atmosphere and beyond. When high-energy cosmic rays collide with atoms, they can release neutrons and protons, which may lead to the production of radioactive isotopes such as 14C. In the vastness of space, the interstellar medium and magnetic fields contribute to the processing of these particles, potentially trapping and re-accelerating them.
Eventually, some particles become part of cosmic rays themselves, while others contribute to the enrichment process of the Galaxy, influenced by phenomena like supernova explosions which trigger the creation of light elements such as lithium, beryllium, and boron. These elements are unusually abundant in cosmic rays and are formed through the breakup of heavier cosmic-ray nuclei like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen when they collide with protons in space.