Question

1. isotopes of carbon

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

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

1. part a

what is the correct number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for isotope b?
a ( 6 p ^ { + }, 6 n ^ { 0 }, 6 e ^ { - } )
b ( 6 p ^ { + }, 7 n ^ { 0 }, 6 e ^ { - } )
c ( 6 p ^ { + }, 6 n ^ { 0 }, 7 e ^ { - } )
d ( 7 p ^ { + }, 6 n ^ { 0 }, 6 e ^ { - } )

1. 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?
a proton
b quark
c neutron

Explanation:

• Part A:
• For carbon isotopes, the atomic number of carbon is \(6\), so the number of protons (\(p^{+}\)) and electrons (\(e^{-}\)) in a neutral carbon atom is \(6\).
• Looking at the model for isotope \(B\), by counting the blue spheres (neutrons (\(n^{0}\))), there are \(7\) neutrons.
• Part B:
• Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Answer:

• Part A: B. \(6p^{+},7n^{0},6e^{-}\)
• Part B: C. neutron