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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.

1 answer

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.

  1. 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.