Atom Calculator

Your details

Choose an element from the periodic table or type a custom atomic number for rare isotopes.
Select the element. The atomic number (Z) is set automatically.
Total number of protons + neutrons in the nucleus. For carbon-12, enter 12.
The net electric charge of the ion. 0 for a neutral atom, +2 for a 2+ cation (e.g. Ca2+), -2 for a 2- anion (e.g. O2-).
ProtonsNeutral atom
6

Number of protons in the nucleus (equals atomic number Z)

Neutrons6
Electrons6
Calculated mass12.09894u
Nuclear charge (Z)6
Ion notation12C
Electron shell config2, 4
Protons6
Neutrons6
Electrons6

Carbon-12: 6 protons, 6 neutrons, 6 electrons

  • Carbon-12 is the most common isotope of Carbon (standard atomic weight 12.011 u).
  • Neutron-to-proton ratio: 1.00 (heavier nuclei need more neutrons for stability).
  • This is a neutral atom: protons (6) equal electrons (6).
  • Carbon is in period 2 of the periodic table.

Next stepFor the detailed quantum mechanical electron configuration (1s2 2s2 2p6...) or nuclear binding energy, extend this with a dedicated electron configuration or nuclear physics calculator.

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