Question

carbon (c) is one of the most abundant elements on earth and is a critical element in the molecules that make up living things. carbons atomic number is 6 and its atomic mass is 12. this means that carbon has 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the number of protons

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons. Given that carbon's atomic number is 6, so the number of protons is 6.

Step2: Determine the number of electrons

In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since carbon is neutral (as it is in its standard state in this context of basic atomic structure), the number of electrons is also 6.

Step3: Determine the number of neutrons

The formula for atomic mass \(A\) is \(A=\text{Number of protons}(p)+\text{Number of neutrons}(n)\). We know \(A = 12\) and \(p=6\). Rearranging the formula \(n=A - p\). Substituting the values, we get \(n=12 - 6=6\).

Answer:

Carbon has 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons.