Which of the following represents the correct composition of the three isotopes of carbon?

Options

A. `C-12 : 6p + 6n, C-13: 7p + 6n, C - 14: 8p + 6n`
B. `C - 12 : 6p + 6n, C-13 : 6p + 7n, C - 14 : 6p + 8n`
C. `C-12 : 6p + 6n, C-13: 5p + 8n, C - 14 : 7p + 7n`
D. `C - 12 : 6p + 6n, C-13: 12p +1n, C - 14 : 5p + 9n`

Explanation

To determine the correct composition of the three isotopes of carbon (C-12, C-13, and C-14), we need to identify the number of protons and neutrons in each isotope.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Isotopes**: The isotopes of carbon we are considering are C-12, C-13, and C-14. The numbers (12, 13, 14) represent the mass numbers of the isotopes.

2. **Determine the Number of Protons**:
- All carbon isotopes have the same number of protons, which is equal to the atomic number of carbon. The atomic number of carbon is 6.
- Therefore, for C-12, C-13, and C-14, the number of protons (P) is:
- C-12: 6 protons
- C-13: 6 protons
- C-14: 6 protons

3. **Calculate the Number of Neutrons**:
- The number of neutrons (N) can be calculated using the formula:
\[ N = \text{Mass Number} - \text{Number of Protons} \]
- For each isotope:
- C-12:
\[ N = 12 - 6 = 6 \text{ neutrons} \]
- C-13:
\[ N = 13 - 6 = 7 \text{ neutrons} \]
- C-14:
\[ N = 14 - 6 = 8 \text{ neutrons} \]

4. **Summarize the Composition**:
- C-12: 6 protons, 6 neutrons
- C-13: 6 protons, 7 neutrons
- C-14: 6 protons, 8 neutrons

5. **Conclusion**: The correct composition of the three isotopes of carbon is:
- C-12: 6 protons, 6 neutrons
- C-13: 6 protons, 7 neutrons
- C-14: 6 protons, 8 neutrons