Isotopes are versions of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This means they have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. Because they have different numbers of neutrons, isotopes can have slightly different physical properties, such as mass and stability. Remember that chemical properties are primarily determined by the number of electrons, which remains the same for all isotopes of a given element.
Match the term with the correct definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Isotope | A. The number of protons in an atom |
| 2. Atomic Number | B. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons |
| 3. Mass Number | C. An isotope that is unstable and emits radiation |
| 4. Neutron | D. The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus |
| 5. Radioactive Isotope | E. A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus |
(Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-E, 5-C)
Complete the following paragraph with the correct words. Choose from: neutrons, atomic number, mass number, isotopes, protons.
__________ are atoms of the same element that have the same number of __________ but different numbers of __________. This means they have the same __________ but different __________.
(Answers: Isotopes, protons, neutrons, atomic number, mass number)
Explain why knowing the number of neutrons is important when studying isotopes. What information does it provide that knowing only the number of protons does not?
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