Exploring Isotopes: Carbon Variants Explained

What makes an atom of carbon distinct from atoms of other elements?

• The number of protons

• The number of electrons

• The number of neutrons

• The atomic mass

What term is used to describe atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons?

• Compounds

• Molecules

• Isotopes

• Ions

How many neutrons does carbon-13 have?

• 6

• 9

• 8

• 7

Which of the following statements is true about carbon-13?

• It has 6 protons and 8 neutrons

• It has 7 protons and 7 neutrons

• It has 6 protons and 7 neutrons

• It has 7 protons and 6 neutrons

How many neutrons are present in carbon-14?

• 6

• 7

• 9

• 8

What characteristic makes some isotopes radioactive?

• Low atomic number

• Excess electrons

• Unstable nuclei

• High atomic mass

What do radioactive atoms emit to return to a stable state?

• Neutrons

• Electrons

• Protons

• Energy or subatomic particles

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Why is carbon-14 useful in dating samples of tissue?

• It has a stable decay rate

• Both A and B

• None of the above

• It is found in all living organisms

In which fields is carbon-14 dating commonly used?

• Archaeological studies

• Both A and B

• Forensic studies

• Medical research