Draw and label an atom of carbon showing the correct number, placement. and charges of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

To draw and label an atom of carbon, we'll follow these steps: 1. **Atomic Number**: Carbon has an atomic number of 6, which means it has 6 protons in its nucleus. 2. **Mass Number**: The most common isotope of carbon is carbon-12, which has a mass number of 12. This means it has 6 protons and 6 neutrons. 3. **Electrons**: Carbon is a neutral atom, so it has the same number of electrons as protons, which is 6. Here's how you can draw and label the atom: ``` Carbon Atom (C) Nucleus: [ 6p ] [ 6n ] [Protons] [Neutrons] Electrons: [ 6e ] [Electrons] ``` In this diagram: - The nucleus is represented by a small circle. - Inside the nucleus, there are 6 protons (represented by "6p") and 6 neutrons (represented by "6n"). - The electrons are represented by "6e" and are shown orbiting the nucleus. In reality, electrons are not confined to specific orbits, but for simplicity, we can show them as if they are in shells around the nucleus. Keep in mind that this is a simplified representation. In reality, electrons are in different energy levels or orbitals, and the nucleus is much smaller and denser than the rest of the atom.