![Three naturally occurring atomic forms of the element carbon](http://static.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/images/000/002/148/full/Science_Learning_Hub_Updated_CarbonIsotopes_30Jan24.png?1706555404)
The element carbon has three naturally occurring atomic forms – 12C, 13C and 14C. These forms, which differ only in the number of neutrons found in the nucleus, are called isotopes. 12C is the most abundant of the three and is a stable isotope.
The element carbon has three naturally occurring atomic forms – 12C, 13C and 14C. These forms, which differ only in the number of neutrons found in the nucleus, are called isotopes. 12C is the most abundant of the three and is a stable isotope.