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Multiple Choice
A particular carbon isotope has an atomic number of 6 and an atomic mass of 14. The respective numbers of neutrons, protons, and electrons that this carbon isotope has are __________.
A
6, 8, and 6
B
6, 6, and 8
C
8, 6, and 8
D
8, 6, and 6
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atomic number of the carbon isotope, which is given as 6. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Recognize that in a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Therefore, this carbon isotope also has 6 electrons.
Determine the atomic mass of the isotope, which is given as 14. The atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass: Neutrons = Atomic Mass - Atomic Number = 14 - 6.
Conclude that the carbon isotope has 8 neutrons, 6 protons, and 6 electrons, matching the option '8, 6, and 6'.