How does the radioactive isotope C-14 differ from C-12?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 5, 2018

Well, #""^14C# has got TWO more neutrons than #""^12C#..?

Explanation:

#""^14C# and #""^12C# are carbon isotopes; the former is much more RARE than the latter. The neutral atoms necessarily EACH contain SIX positively charged nucular particles, 6 protons; this is what characterizes them as carbon... However, while #""^12C# has six neutrons, SIX NEUTRALLY charged, massive nucular particles, #""^14C# has EIGHT such neutrons, and hence the isotopic mass difference. Are we clear?

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