Question

An atom of carbon with 6 protons has 6 neutrons while another atom of carbon has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. These two atoms of the same element are called ________?

Group of answer choices:

A. isotopes
B. ions
C. atoms
D. radioactive

Answer 1

Atoms of carbon with 6 neutrons (Carbon-12) and with 8 neutrons (Carbon-14) but both with 6 protons are called isotopes. Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons within the same element.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two atoms of carbon you've mentioned, one with 6 neutrons and another with 8 neutrons but both having 6 protons, are called isotopes. Isotopes are versions of an element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. For instance, Carbon-12 (12C) is the most common isotope of carbon and it has six protons, six neutrons, and an atomic mass of 12 amu (mass number). Meanwhile, Carbon-14 (14C) has six protons, eight neutrons, and an atomic mass of 14 amu. Although their neutron numbers differ, these isotopes have the same atomic number and hence are the same element. Some isotopes can be unstable and release particles to become more stable; these are known as radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes.