Carbon-12 is a stable isotope of the element carbon, which is essential for life on Earth. It has six protons and six neutrons in its nucleus, giving it an atomic mass of 12 atomic mass units. This isotope makes up about 98.9% of all naturally occurring carbon, and it plays a crucial role in organic chemistry, forming the backbone of many biological molecules. One of the interesting features of Carbon-12 is its use in radiocarbon dating, a technique that helps scientists determine the age of ancient organic materials. By measuring the amount of Carbon-14, a radioactive isotope of carbon, in a sample, researchers can estimate when the organism died, providing valuable insights into history and archaeology.