Question

Protons are positive, while electrons are negative. Carbon has a neutral charge. If carbon has six electrons, how many protons does it have? Explain.

a) 6 protons

b) 12 protons

c) 6 electrons

d) 0 protons

Answer 1

A neutral carbon atom has six protons, which is equal to the number of its electrons to maintain a neutral charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbon is an element that has six protons in its nucleus, giving it an atomic number of 6. In a neutral atom of carbon, there must be an equal number of electrons to balance the positive charge of the protons. Since each electron carries a negative charge equal to the positive charge of a proton, a carbon atom also has six electrons.

Thus, if carbon has six electrons to maintain a neutral charge, it must have six protons. The correct answer to the question 'If carbon has six electrons, how many protons does it have?' is (a) 6 protons.