Question detail
Compare the composition of two isotopes of carbon, Carbon-12 and Carbon-14.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Atoms and isotopes
Question
Compare the composition of two isotopes of carbon, Carbon-12 and Carbon-14.
Answer
Carbon-12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, while Carbon-14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. This difference in the number of neutrons gives them different mass numbers.
Explanation
This question tests the understanding of isotopes and their composition, specifically how isotopes of the same element differ in neutron count while maintaining the same number of protons. It reinforces the concept of isotopes as variations of an element.
Common mistake
Isotope Composition Confusion
Students often confuse the number of protons and neutrons in isotopes, thinking they are the same for all isotopes of an element.
Remember that isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, which affects their mass number.
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