Carbon-12 is a stable isotope belonging to carbon. Its nuclide notation is shown in Fig. 11.1.
Carbon-14 is an unstable isotope belonging to carbon. Its nuclide notation is shown in Fig. 11.2.
Fig. 11.1 shows $^{12}_{6}\text{C}$. Fig. 11.2 shows $^{14}_{6}\text{C}$.
(a)[3]
Determine the numbers of electrons, protons and neutrons for one atom of carbon-12 and for one atom of carbon-14. Complete Table 11.1.
(b)[2]
Fig. 11.3 shows the decay curve for a sample of carbon-14. Use the graph to find the half-life of carbon-14.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Number of electrons: carbon-12 = 6; carbon-14 = 6” …