A diagram shows three atoms, each with 6 protons but different numbers of neutrons. What element is represented by these isotopes?

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Oxygen
• C. Boron
• D. Carbon

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom. The problem states that each atom has 6 protons.
2. Recall that the atomic number uniquely defines the element. An element with 6 protons is carbon, regardless of the number of neutrons.
3. Understand that isotopes are atoms of the same element (same number of protons) but with different numbers of neutrons, which affects their mass number but not their chemical identity.
4. Confirm that since all three atoms have 6 protons, they are isotopes of carbon, even though their neutron counts differ.
5. Therefore, the element represented by these isotopes is carbon, not nitrogen, oxygen, or boron, which have different atomic numbers.