How many protons, neutrons, and electrons are present in a neutral atom of the isotope represented by 14_6C?

• A. 7 protons, 7 neutrons, 7 electrons
• B. 8 protons, 6 neutrons, 8 electrons
• C. 6 protons, 8 neutrons, 6 electrons
• D. 6 protons, 6 neutrons, 8 electrons

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number (Z) and the mass number (A) from the isotope notation \(^{14}_{6}C\). Here, 6 is the atomic number and 14 is the mass number.
2. Recall that the atomic number (Z) represents the number of protons in the atom. So, the number of protons is 6.
3. Since the atom is neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, the number of electrons is also 6.
4. Calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number using the formula: \(\text{Number of neutrons} = A - Z\).
5. Substitute the values: \$14 - 6 = 8$. So, the number of neutrons is 8.