How many protons does a neutral carbon atom have?

• A. 6
• B. 12
• C. 8
• D. 4

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of protons in an atom is equal to its atomic number, which uniquely identifies the element.
2. Identify the element in question, which is carbon in this problem.
3. Look up the atomic number of carbon on the periodic table; this number represents the number of protons in a neutral carbon atom.
4. Understand that a neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, but the number of protons is fixed by the atomic number.
5. Conclude that the number of protons in a neutral carbon atom is the atomic number of carbon.