Question

What are three isotopes of carbon?

Answer 1

`""^12C`. `""^13C`, and `""^14C`.

Explanation:

The heaviest isotope shown has a half life of about 6000 years (this is from memory, so check). The `""^13C` isotope is abundant enough (approx. 1%) to make `""^13C` NMR spectroscopy a routine method of characterization for organic chemists. Most universities would have 1 or more `""^13C` NMR spectrometers. `""^12C` isotope is the bog standard, naturally abundant one that you sprinkle on your cornflakes when it (the isotope) is bound to oxygen and hydrogen.