carbon has an atomic number of 6. how many protons does carbon atom have?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The atomic number of carbon is 6, which means a carbon atom has 6 protons.
Explanation:
The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element. It represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Protons are positively charged particles located in the nucleus, and their count determines the identity of the element. Every element has a unique atomic number, which is listed on the periodic table.
For example:
- Hydrogen, the simplest element, has an atomic number of 1, meaning it has 1 proton.
- Oxygen, with an atomic number of 8, has 8 protons.
Carbon, with an atomic number of 6, has exactly 6 protons in its nucleus. If the number of protons were different, the atom would not be carbon but a different element.
Why is this important?
- Identity of the Element: The number of protons is the defining characteristic of an element. While atoms can gain or lose electrons (forming ions) or neutrons (forming isotopes), the number of protons always stays the same for a given element.
- Chemical Behavior: The atomic number also determines the arrangement of electrons in the atom because, in a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Carbon’s 6 protons mean it also has 6 electrons when neutral, giving it specific chemical properties that make it versatile in forming covalent bonds.
- Isotopes: Carbon has isotopes (like Carbon-12 and Carbon-14), which differ in neutron count, but the proton count (6) remains constant, ensuring it is still carbon.
In summary, the atomic number is the key to understanding an element’s structure and behavior, and for carbon, it tells us the atom has 6 protons.