Question

the atomic number of carbon is six, which means that a carbon atom has six protons. carbon has three naturally occurring isotopes: carbon - 12, carbon - 13, and carbon - 14. which of these statements are true about carbon and its isotopes? select all that apply. a. all carbon atoms have six neutrons. b. all carbon atoms have six protons and six electrons. c. atoms of all carbon isotopes have either more than 6 electrons or fewer than 6 electrons. d. atoms of some naturally occurring carbon isotopes may have six neutrons.

Explanation:

• A: Different carbon isotopes have different numbers of neutrons. Carbon - 12 has 6 neutrons, carbon - 13 has 7 neutrons and carbon - 14 has 8 neutrons, so not all carbon atoms have 6 neutrons.
• B: The atomic number of carbon is 6, which means the number of protons is 6. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, so all carbon atoms have 6 protons and 6 electrons.
• C: In neutral carbon atoms (which is the most common state), all carbon isotopes have 6 electrons. This statement is false.
• D: Carbon - 12 has 6 neutrons, so atoms of some naturally occurring carbon isotopes may have 6 neutrons.

Answer:

B. All carbon atoms have six protons and six electrons; D. Atoms of some naturally occurring carbon isotopes may have six neutrons.