Which of the following correctly represents the isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons in isotope notation?

• A. ^{14}C
• B. ^{13}C
• C. ^{12}C
• D. C_{6}^{8}

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the isotope notation is written as \(^{A}_{Z}X\), where \(A\) is the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons), \(Z\) is the atomic number (number of protons), and \(X\) is the chemical symbol of the element.
2. Identify the number of protons and neutrons given: 6 protons and 8 neutrons.
3. Calculate the mass number \(A\) by adding the number of protons and neutrons: \(A = 6 + 8\).
4. Use the atomic number \(Z = 6\) (which corresponds to carbon) and the calculated mass number \(A\) to write the isotope notation as \(^{A}C\) or \(^{A}_{6}C\).
5. Compare the options given to find the one that matches the isotope notation with \(A = 14\) and \(Z = 6\), which correctly represents the isotope of carbon with 6 protons and 8 neutrons.