Question

here are three isotopes of an element: ₆¹²c ₆¹³c ₆¹⁴c
the element is
the number 6 refers to the
the numbers 12, 13, and 14 refer to the
how many protons and neutrons are in the first isotope?
how many protons and neutrons are in the second isotope?
how many protons and neutrons are in the third isotope?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the element

The symbol C represents carbon.

Step2: Define atomic number

The sub - script number 6 is the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom.

Step3: Define mass number

The superscript numbers 12, 13, 14 are mass numbers. Mass number = number of protons + number of neutrons.

Step4: Calculate for \(_{6}^{12}C\)

Protons = 6 (from atomic number), Neutrons = 12 - 6=6.

Step5: Calculate for \(_{6}^{13}C\)

Protons = 6 (from atomic number), Neutrons = 13 - 6 = 7.

Step6: Calculate for \(_{6}^{14}C\)

Protons = 6 (from atomic number), Neutrons = 14 - 6 = 8.

Answer:

The element is carbon
The number 6 refers to the atomic number
The numbers 12, 13, and 14 refer to the mass number
First isotope: 6 protons and 6 neutrons
Second isotope: 6 protons and 7 neutrons
Third isotope: 6 protons and 8 neutrons