Question

Is it possible for two different atoms of carbon to have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei? Explain.

Answer 1

Two carbon atoms can indeed have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different isotopes of carbon such as Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and the radioactive Carbon-14.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, it is possible for two different atoms of carbon to have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. These variations are known as isotopes. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons. For carbon, the atomic number is 6 (which means there are 6 protons), but the neutron count can be 6, 7, or 8. This corresponds to the isotopes Carbon-12 (12C), Carbon-13 (13C), and Carbon-14 (14C), with mass numbers of 12, 13, and 14, respectively. While 12C and 13C are stable, 14C is unstable and radioactive.

Answer 2

Yes , it is possible for two different atoms of carbon to have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei .

Step-by-step explanation:

Isotopes -

Atoms of the element with same number of the electrons and protons , but differ in the number of neutrons , are called as the isotopes .

The isotopes of the element have the same number of protons and electrons , hence have the same chemical and physical properties .

Many isotopes occurs naturally .

In case of Carbon ,

Carbon too have isotopes ,

i.e.

Carbon - 13 and Carbon - 14

carbon - 13 , have seven neutrons

Carbon - 14 , have eight neutrons .