The periodic table tells us that there are 6 protons in a carbon atom. Is there a way to verify this first-hand? Or are we just expected to believe it unquestioned?
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1$\begingroup$ Carbon is defined as an atom with six protons (and 6 electrons). That is the nature of the periodic table. It is so per definition. I suppose your real question is: how can we determine if something is really carbon. Right? $\endgroup$– JoriNov 15, 2014 at 17:20
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1$\begingroup$ My real question would be 'how do we really know that what they've been telling us in school about atomic structure is true?' $\endgroup$– ericNov 16, 2014 at 21:47
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1$\begingroup$ That what about the atomic structure is true? The atomic structure is a model. It is not known if it represents reality completely (probably not). This can never be known. $\endgroup$– JoriNov 16, 2014 at 22:12
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$\begingroup$ @Jori then why claim that carbon has x protons as if it were the truth ? $\endgroup$– AminosApr 7, 2022 at 10:45
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1$\begingroup$ Excellent question : what has been affirmed without proof can also be denied without proof $\endgroup$– AminosApr 7, 2022 at 11:03
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1) While not easy, it is possible to obtain mass-spectrum of full range of ions, including fully ionized. By number of peaks with Z/E corresponding as X, X/2, X/3 ... X/n it is possible to ensure that an element has exactly n electrons and protons. It is still difficult to ensure full ionization of heavier atoms, so the method is not applicable for heavier elements. This, however, is the only direct method I can think of. Should work for carbon, though.
2) Various X-ray-derived spectral methods. While not providing direct evidence, they do provide information on electronic shell structure, that can be compared with theoretical calculations.
answered Nov 15, 2014 at 19:43
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