Question

How many neutrons do carbon-12 and carbon-13 have, respectively?

Short answer

Carbon-12 have six neutrons and carbon 13 have seven neutrons.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

The different forms of an element, which exhibits the identical number of protons, however a distinct number of neutrons are calledisotopes. Some of the elements, like carbon and potassium possess naturally occurring isotopes.

Explanation

The atomic number of carbon is 6, and carbon has two stable isotopes with mass numbers of 12 and 13. In carbon-12, there are six protons, six electrons, and six neutrons, thus, it has a mass number of 12, due to six neutrons and six protons. On the other hand, the isotope carbon-13 has six protons, seven neutrons, and six electrons, thus, its atomic mass is 13 due to the presence of six neutrons and six protons.