Chemistry – Atoms, elements and compounds - Isotopes | e-Consult
Atoms, elements and compounds - Isotopes (1 questions)
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In the context of carbon, the term "isotope" refers to different forms of the carbon atom that all have 6 protons (atomic number 6), but differ in the number of neutrons in their nucleus. This leads to different mass numbers.
For example:
- Carbon-12 (12C): 6 protons + 6 neutrons. Atomic mass approximately 12 amu.
- Carbon-14 (14C): 6 protons + 8 neutrons. Atomic mass approximately 14 amu.
Both 12C and 14C are isotopes of carbon because they both have 6 protons, but differ in their neutron numbers.