Question

Carbon has an atomic number of six. This number refers to the number of
__________________carbon has. Will any other atom of a different element have
the same number? Explain your answer.
3. Radioactive Isotopes (Radioisotopes)
Radioisotopes are unstable and spontaneously release high-energy particles.
a. A radioactive atom may release protons or neutrons in an attempt to
achieve stability.
b. Carbon-13 and carbon-14 are examples of ____________________ of carbon.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Carbon has an atomic number of six. This number refers to the number of **protons** carbon has. Will any other atom of a different element have the same number? **No, because the atomic number is unique to each element and defines the element itself. Each element has a distinct number of protons; for example, hydrogen has one proton, helium has two, and so on.**

3. Radioactive Isotopes (Radioisotopes)
Radioisotopes are unstable and spontaneously release high-energy particles.
a. A radioactive atom may release protons or neutrons in an attempt to achieve stability.
b. Carbon-13 and carbon-14 are examples of **isotopes** of carbon.