Which of the following atoms has the largest number of neutrons?

• A. Carbon-13 (^{13}C)
• B. Carbon-12 (^{12}C)
• C. Carbon-11 (^{11}C)
• D. Carbon-14 (^{14}C)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number (Z) of carbon, which is 6. This number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of any carbon atom.
2. Recall that the mass number (A) given in the isotope notation (e.g., \(^{13}C\)) represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
3. Calculate the number of neutrons for each isotope by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number using the formula: \( \text{Number of neutrons} = A - Z \).
4. Apply this formula to each isotope: for \(^{13}C\), neutrons = 13 - 6; for \(^{12}C\), neutrons = 12 - 6; for \(^{11}C\), neutrons = 11 - 6; and for \(^{14}C\), neutrons = 14 - 6.
5. Compare the neutron counts calculated for each isotope to determine which has the largest number of neutrons.