The nucleus of a singly ionized carbon atom contains

A carbon atom is defined by its atomic number of 6, which signifies that it contains exactly 6 protons in its nucleus [1]. The most common stable isotope, carbon-12, also contains 6 neutrons, resulting in a mass number of 12 [1]. Ionization is a process that involves the loss or gain of electrons from the outer shells of an atom but does not alter the composition of the nucleus itself [2]. Specifically, a singly ionized carbon atom (C+) is formed when one electron is removed from the neutral atom, leaving behind 5 electrons [1]. However, the nucleus remains unchanged, continuing to house 6 protons and 6 neutrons [1]. Therefore, the nucleus of a singly ionized carbon atom consists of 6 protons and 6 neutrons, maintaining the identity of the element despite the change in net electrical charge.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26883/
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > 3.3 HOW DO METALS AND NON-METALS REA ALS REACT? > p. 46