You can find the number of electrons in a neutral carbon atom by understanding its atomic number on the periodic table.
Here's a breakdown:
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Atomic Number: Look up carbon (C) on the periodic table. Its atomic number is 6.
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What Atomic Number Means: The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
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Neutral Atom: In a neutral atom (an atom with no overall charge), the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons.
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Therefore: Since carbon has an atomic number of 6, it has 6 protons. To be neutral, it must also have 6 electrons.
In summary, a neutral carbon atom contains 6 electrons.
