Q10E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

In what way are isotopes of a given element always different? In what way(s) are they always the same?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Isotopes of the same element differ in that they have the same number of protons and electrons but a different number of neutrons. Elements are defined by their number of protons; hence two elements with the same number of protons are considered the same.

Step1: Definition of proton:

Positively charged particles are Protons which are located in the nucleus of an atom.  The electromagnetic force separates the protons, while the strong force, which is stronger at short distances, draws them together.

Step 2: Relation between proton and neutron:

A proton's charge is exactly equal to and opposite to the charge on an electron. As a result, in a neutral atom, the number of protons is always equal to the number of electrons.

Step 3: Definition of neutron:

Neutrons, along with positively charged protons, are neutrally charged particles found in the nucleus of atoms. The electromagnetic force pushes the protons apart, but the strong force, which is greater across short distances, pulls them closer.

Step 4: Definition of electron:

Electrons are negatively charged particles that reside as a cloud around an atom's nucleus. They are unbelievably little, so minuscule that quantum mechanics is required to explain their odd behaviour, and they are, as far as scientists can tell, a fundamental particle.