Question

What is the difference between carbon-12 and carbon-14?

Answer 1

They have different numbers of neutrons. The stability of the nucleus of each is also different.

Explanation:

C-12 contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons

C-14 atoms have 6 protons and 8 neutrons

This video explains how to determine the number of subatomic particles in the two isotopes of carbon.

Carbon-12 atoms have stable nuclei because of the 1:1 ratio of protons and neutrons.

Carbon-14 atoms have nuclei which are unstable. C-14 atoms will undergo alpha decay and produce atoms of N-14. Carbon-14 dating can be used to determine the age of artifacts which are not more than 50,000 years old.

Hope this helps!