Question

The image shows information about the element carbon as it appears in the periodic table. Based on the image, which statement is accurate? A. A carbon atom has two protons, two neutrons, and two electrons. B. A carbon atom has three protons, six neutrons, and three electrons. C. A carbon atom has six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons. D. A carbon atom has four protons, four neutrons, and four electrons.

Answer 1

Answer:

C

Explanation:

The number of protons defines the element so if your image shows the periodic table then you will see a # 6 at the top of the box that has carbon in it.

Answer 2

Answer:

C. A carbon atom has six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons.

Explanation:

Carbon has a relative atomic mass of 12 and an atomic number of 6. We must recall that the atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in that atom. The atomic number is also the same as the number of electrons in the neutral atom of that element.

To ensure electrical neutrality of the atom, the number of protons in the atom must be equal to the number of electrons in the atom.

The mass number of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons present in the atom. Since carbon has a mass number of 12, then there must be six neutrons present in the atom.