How do you calculate neutrons for elements in the periodic table?
To calculate the number of neutrons in an element, you subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass (nearest whole number). The atomic mass is the weighted average of the isotopes of that element found in nature. For example, for carbon, the atomic number is 6 and the atomic mass is around 12, so the number of neutrons would be 12 - 6 = 6.