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A carbon nucleus, also known as a carbon core or carbon nucleus, is the central part of an atom of carbon, which is the sixth element in the periodic table. It consists of six protons and typically six neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of approximately 12 atomic mass units. The nucleus is surrounded by six electrons in a neutral carbon atom, forming a stable configuration.

Carbon nuclei are fundamental to the study of nuclear physics and astrophysics. They play a crucial role in nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in stars, where carbon is synthesized through the triple-alpha process. This process involves the fusion of three helium-4 nuclei (alpha particles) to form a carbon-12 nucleus, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays.

In nuclear medicine, carbon-11 and carbon-14 isotopes are used for diagnostic and research purposes. Carbon-11, with a half-life of about 20 minutes, is often used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans to study metabolic processes. Carbon-14, with a much longer half-life of about 5,730 years, is used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient artifacts and geological samples.

The study of carbon nuclei also involves understanding their stability and the forces that bind protons and neutrons together. Advances in nuclear physics continue to provide deeper insights into the structure and behavior of carbon nuclei, contributing to various fields of science and technology.