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.

Explanation:

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. For carbon, the atomic number is 6, so all carbon atoms have 6 protons. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

• Option A is false because carbon - 12 has 6 neutrons, carbon - 13 has 7 neutrons and carbon - 14 has 8 neutrons.
• Option B is true as all carbon atoms have 6 protons and in a neutral state, 6 electrons.
• Option C is false as neutral carbon atoms (including isotopes) have 6 electrons.

Answer:

B. All carbon atoms have six protons and six electrons.