Identify if the statement below is true: There are 6 protons and 6 neutrons in the nucleus of a carbon-12 atom that are held by strong nuclear forces.

• A. False, carbon-12 has 6 protons and 7 neutrons held by strong nuclear forces.
• B. True, carbon-12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons held by strong nuclear forces.
• C. False, carbon-12 has 12 protons and 12 neutrons held by strong nuclear forces.
• D. False, carbon-12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons held by weak nuclear forces.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the composition of a carbon-12 atom: Carbon-12 is an isotope of carbon, and isotopes are defined by their number of protons and neutrons. The atomic number of carbon is 6, which means it has 6 protons.
2. Determine the number of neutrons in carbon-12: The '12' in carbon-12 represents the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons. Since carbon has 6 protons, the number of neutrons is calculated as follows: 12 (mass number) - 6 (protons) = 6 neutrons.
3. Clarify the forces within the nucleus: The protons and neutrons in the nucleus are held together by strong nuclear forces, which are responsible for the stability of the nucleus.
4. Evaluate the statement: Based on the composition of carbon-12, the statement 'There are 6 protons and 6 neutrons in the nucleus of a carbon-12 atom that are held by strong nuclear forces' is true.
5. Review the incorrect options: The other options provided are false because they either incorrectly state the number of protons or neutrons, or they mention weak nuclear forces, which do not hold the nucleus together.