carbon 12
noun
: an isotope of carbon of mass number 12 that is the most abundant carbon isotope and is used as a standard for measurements of atomic weight
Examples of carbon 12 in a Sentence
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Measuring the extent to which multiple carbon 13 atoms (a rare, stable form of carbon with an extra neutron) replace carbon 12 (the most common form of carbon) in a particular molecule, for instance, can tell researchers about the temperature when the compound formed.
—
Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 15 June 2023
Carbon has two stable isotopes, measured as either carbon 12 or carbon 13.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 17 Jan. 2022
By controlling the magnetic field and other conditions inside the cannon, the researchers cause the carbon 14 atoms to veer away from the carbon 12 atoms and other elements.
—Carl Zimmer, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2020
Scientists can look at the amount of carbon 12 and--based on the ratio-- deduce how much carbon 14 was originally present.
—James Shreeve, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
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Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 15 June 2023
Carbon has two stable isotopes, measured as either carbon 12 or carbon 13.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 17 Jan. 2022
By controlling the magnetic field and other conditions inside the cannon, the researchers cause the carbon 14 atoms to veer away from the carbon 12 atoms and other elements.
—Carl Zimmer, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2020
Scientists can look at the amount of carbon 12 and--based on the ratio-- deduce how much carbon 14 was originally present.
—James Shreeve, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Carbon 12.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%2012. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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