* Reactivity is primarily determined by electron configuration: The chemical behavior of an atom is dictated by its electrons, particularly those in the outermost shell (valence electrons). Both carbon-12 and carbon-14 have the same number of protons and electrons (6 each), resulting in identical electron configurations. This means they have the same number of valence electrons and will interact with other atoms in the same way.
* Isotopes differ only in neutrons: The difference between carbon-12 and carbon-14 lies in their neutron count (6 neutrons in carbon-12 and 8 in carbon-14). Neutrons primarily contribute to the atomic mass and do not significantly affect the electron configuration and, thus, the chemical reactivity.
In Summary: While carbon-14 is radioactive and undergoes radioactive decay, this process is nuclear in nature and does not influence its chemical reactivity. In terms of how it forms chemical bonds and participates in reactions, carbon-12 and carbon-14 behave virtually identically.
