What is the number of protons in carbon?

The element carbon contains six protons in its atomic structure. Carbon has six neutrons that exist with the protons, found in the nucleus of each atom of carbon.

The atomic symbol for carbon is C. The element has an atomic number of 6. The element contains six electrons in the outer shells of the atom. The name "carbon" originates from the Latin word "carbo," which means coal or charcoal.

Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe. The element is the second most commonly found element in the human body; the most common element in the human body is oxygen.