Multiple Choice
Which of the following atoms has the smallest number of neutrons?
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4. Atoms and Elements
Isotopes
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Which statement best describes an isotope such as carbon-14?
A
An atom of carbon with a different number of protons than carbon-12, making it a different element.
B
An atom of carbon with the same number of protons as other carbon atoms but a different number of neutrons, giving it a mass number of .
C
A molecule containing carbon where the total molecular mass is atomic mass units.
D
A carbon ion that has gained two electrons and therefore has a mass number of .
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Identify that the number of protons defines the element; for carbon, this number is always 6.
Understand that the mass number of an isotope is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Recognize that carbon-14 has 6 protons (like all carbon atoms) but has 8 neutrons, giving it a mass number of 14.
Conclude that an isotope such as carbon-14 is best described as an atom of carbon with the same number of protons as other carbon atoms but a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different mass number.
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