Question

atoms of carbon - 14 have ____ neutrons.
a 14
b 12
c 8
d 6

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for neutrons

The formula for calculating the number of neutrons \(N\) in an atom is \(N = A - Z\), where \(A\) is the mass number and \(Z\) is the atomic number.

Step2: Identify \(A\) and \(Z\) for carbon - 14

For carbon - 14 (\(^{14}\text{C}\)), the mass number \(A = 14\). The atomic number of carbon \(Z=6\) (since carbon is element number 6 in the periodic table).

Step3: Calculate the number of neutrons

Substitute \(A = 14\) and \(Z = 6\) into the formula \(N=A - Z\). So \(N=14 - 6=8\).

Answer:

C. 8