Question

how many neutrons are found in a carbon atom?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for neutrons

The number of neutrons in an atom is calculated by the formula: \( \text{Number of neutrons} = \text{Atomic mass number} - \text{Atomic number} \).

Step2: Identify carbon's atomic number and mass number

For carbon (C), the atomic number (number of protons) is 6. The most common isotope of carbon is carbon - 12, so the atomic mass number is 12.

Step3: Calculate the number of neutrons

Using the formula from Step 1: \( \text{Number of neutrons} = 12 - 6 = 6 \).

Answer:

6