What is the atomic number of Carbon?

The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom of that element. Carbon is a fundamental element in organic chemistry and is essential for life, with its atomic number being 6. This means that a carbon atom has 6 protons in its nucleus, which also corresponds to its position in the periodic table, where elements are ordered by their atomic number.

The atomic number not only identifies the element but also determines its chemical properties and behavior. For example, since carbon has 6 protons, it also has 6 electrons in a neutral state, allowing it to form four bonds, which is critical for the formation of a wide variety of organic molecules.

The other numbers, such as 8, 12, and 14, correspond to other elements: 8 is the atomic number for oxygen, 12 for magnesium, and 14 for silicon. Thus, 6 is clearly the correct atomic number for carbon, placing it appropriately on the periodic table and indicating its unique characteristics.