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QuestionChemistry

How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are in a neutral atom of Carbon- 14? Explain how you determined this. Be specific, as most of the points come from your explanation. (4 points)
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step-by-step, following the LaTeX formatting guidelines precisely:

Step 2:
: Understand the Atomic Structure

Carbon- 14 is an isotope of carbon. To determine its subatomic particles, we need to use the atomic number and mass number. - The atomic number tells us the number of protons - The mass number tells us the total number of protons and neutrons - For a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons

Step 3:
: Identify the Atomic Number of Carbon

- This means all carbon atoms have $$6$$ protons
- Carbon's atomic number is 6

Step 4:
: Calculate the Number of Protons

- Number of protons = $$6

Step 5:
: Calculate the Number of Neutrons

- $$14 - 6 = 8$$ neutrons
- Number of neutrons = Mass number - Number of protons

Step 6:
: Calculate the Number of Electrons

- Number of electrons = $$6
- For a neutral atom, number of electrons = number of protons

Final Answer

- Protons: 6 - Neutrons: 8 - Electrons: 6