Question

How do we represent a carbon atom that contains EIGHT neutrons symbolically?

Answer 1

`""_6^14 C`

Explanation:

If `Z=6` you specify the carbon element UNEQUIVOCALLY. The most abundant isotope is `""_6^12C`, i.e. 6 neutrons in the carbon nucleus, the next most abundant is `""_6^13C`, which allows non-sporting analysis of carbon compounds by NMR spectroscopy. `""_6^14C` has a half-life of 5700 years...........

How many neutrons in the `""_6^14C` isotope?