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Multiple Choice
A carbon atom has a mass number of 12 and an atomic number of 6. How many neutrons does it have?
A
18
B
0
C
6
D
12
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the mass number of the carbon atom, which is given as 12. The mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
Identify the atomic number of the carbon atom, which is given as 6. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Recall that the number of neutrons in an atom can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number.
Set up the equation to find the number of neutrons: \( \text{Number of neutrons} = \text{Mass number} - \text{Atomic number} \).
Substitute the given values into the equation: \( \text{Number of neutrons} = 12 - 6 \).