Chapter 3: Problem 36

Write the symbol for two isotopes of carbon. Both isotopes have six protons. One isotope has six neutrons, while the other has seven neutrons.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The isotopes of carbon are written as \(^{12}_{6}\)C and \(^{13}_{6}\)C.

Step by step solution

Identifying the Basic Information

In the problem, it is provided that there are two isotopes of carbon to be identified. The atomic number of carbon (which represents the number of protons) is 6. This number is the same for every isotope of an element, so both isotopes will have 6 protons.

Determining the Atomic Mass Number

The atomic mass of an isotope is computed by adding the number of protons and neutrons together. For the first isotope we are asked to write the symbol for, there are six neutrons. Add this to the constant six protons to get an atomic mass number of 12.

Determining the Atomic Mass Number of the second isotope

For the second isotope we are asked to write the symbol for, there are seven neutrons. Add this to the constant six protons to get an atomic mass number of 13.

Writing the Isotope Symbol

Now that we have identified the atomic number (which is 6 for carbon) and the mass numbers for both isotopes, we can write their symbols. The mass number will go on the top left side of symbol, and atomic number will go on the bottom left side.

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Write the symbol for two isotopes of carbon. Both isotopes have six protons. One isotope has six neutrons, while the other has seven neutrons.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying the Basic Information

Determining the Atomic Mass Number

Determining the Atomic Mass Number of the second isotope

Writing the Isotope Symbol

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