Question

The isotopes shown below (Carbon with 12 and 14 on top) differ in the number of ________________

a. Neutrons
b. Electrons
c. Protons
d. Isotopes

Answer 1

Neutrons

The isotopes of carbon with 12 and 14 on top have a different number of neutrons, which are the particles in the nucleus with no charge.

Answer 2

The isotopes Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 differ in the number of neutrons, with Carbon-14 having two more neutrons than Carbon-12.

Step-by-step explanation:

The isotopes shown, Carbon-12 (¹²C) and Carbon-14 (¹⁴C), differ in the number of neutrons. Each isotope of an element, such as carbon, has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Carbon-12 contains six protons and six neutrons, while Carbon-14 contains six protons and eight neutrons; thus, the atomic mass of Carbon-14 is higher by two due to the two additional neutrons.