Question

identify the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in carbon-12. protons type your answer. electrons type your answer. neutrons type your answer.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic number of carbon

The atomic number of carbon is 6. In a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the atomic number. So, the number of protons in carbon - 12 is 6.

Step2: Determine number of electrons

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since carbon - 12 is neutral and has 6 protons, it has 6 electrons.

Step3: Calculate number of neutrons

The mass number of carbon - 12 is 12. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Let the number of neutrons be $n$. We know that mass number = number of protons+number of neutrons. So, $n=12 - 6=6$.

Answer:

Protons: 6
Electrons: 6
Neutrons: 6