Question

isotopes of carbon
this image depicts three isotopes of carbon. note the following:

• red = protons
• blue = neutrons
• green = electrons

image: isotopes of carbon with a, b, c
part a
what is the correct number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for isotope b?
a: $6p^+ , 6n^0 , 6e^-$
b: $6p^+ , 7n^0 , 6e^-$
c: $6p^+ , 6n^0 , 7e^-$
d: $7p^+ , 6n^0 , 6e^-$
part b
all of the models of carbon shown are isotopes of carbon. what subatomic particle is responsible for making all these different isotopes of carbon?

Explanation:

PART A

Step1: Recall Carbon's atomic number

Carbon has atomic number 6, so protons ($p^+$) = 6, electrons ($e^-$) = 6 (neutral atom).

Step2: Analyze Isotope B's neutrons

Isotopes differ in neutrons. For Isotope B, count blue (neutrons) – from the model, neutrons = 7. So protons=6, neutrons=7, electrons=6.

Isotopes of an element have same protons/electrons but different neutrons. So neutrons (subatomic particle) cause different carbon isotopes.

Answer:

B. $6\ p^+, 7\ n^0, 6\ e^-$

PART B