Carbon is a an element with an atomic number of 6. Based on this information, which of the following statements is true?
A. Carbon can be broken down into simpler component substances.
B. Each carbon atom will always have 6 protons.
C. Each carbon atom will always have 6 neutrons.
D. Each carbon atom will always have 3 electrons.
E. Protons+Electrons=6
http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/AtomicNumMass.htm
To determine which statement is true based on the given information, let's analyze each of the options:
A. Carbon can be broken down into simpler component substances.
Based on the fact that carbon is an element with an atomic number of 6, this statement is false. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler component substances through chemical means.
B. Each carbon atom will always have 6 protons.
This statement is true. The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. Since carbon has an atomic number of 6, each carbon atom will always have 6 protons.
C. Each carbon atom will always have 6 neutrons.
This statement is false. The number of neutrons in an atom can vary among different isotopes of an element. Carbon has several isotopes, some with 6 neutrons, others with 7 or 8 neutrons. However, on average, the most common isotope of carbon has 6 neutrons.
D. Each carbon atom will always have 3 electrons.
This statement is false. The number of electrons in an atom is determined by the element's atomic number. Since carbon has an atomic number of 6, it will always have 6 electrons.
E. Protons + Electrons = 6
This statement is true. In a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. Since carbon has an atomic number of 6, it will have 6 protons and 6 electrons.
Based on the analysis, the correct statement is B. Each carbon atom will always have 6 protons.