Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have:

Question

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The correct answer is Option A: the same atomic number but different mass numbers. Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element which have the same number of protons (atomic number) but a different number of neutrons, leading to different mass numbers. Since the atomic number defines the element, isotopes occupy the same position in the periodic table despite their differing masses.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element which have the same number of protons (atomic number) but a different number of neutrons, leading to different mass numbers. Since the atomic number defines the element, isotopes occupy the same position in the periodic table despite their differing masses.

Working Principle: The atomic identity of an element is governed strictly by the proton count ($Z$). The mass number ($A$) is defined as the sum of protons and neutrons ($A = Z + N$). Because isotopes possess the same $Z$ but varying $N$, the mass number $A$ fluctuates, while the electronic configuration remains constant, ensuring identical chemical properties.

Key Formulas: $A = Z + N$ — where $A$ is the mass number, $Z$ is the atomic number (protons), and $N$ is the number of neutrons.; $_{Z}^{A}X$ — standard notation for an isotope where $X$ is the element symbol.

Key Points: Isotopes of an element have identical chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.; Physical properties (e.g., density, boiling point, rate of diffusion) often vary among isotopes due to the difference in mass.; The hydrogen isotopes—Protium, Deuterium, and Tritium—are classic examples of varied neutron counts.

Advantages: Used in medical imaging and radiotherapy.; Critical for carbon dating of ancient organic materials.

Disadvantages: Radioactive isotopes can be harmful if not handled with specialized safety equipment.; Separating isotopes is physically difficult due to their identical chemical nature.

Applications: Iodine-131 used in the treatment of thyroid disorders.; Carbon-14 used for determining the age of archaeological specimens.

Additional Info: Option B is incorrect because a different number of protons would result in a completely different element.. Option C is incorrect because chemical properties are determined by electron configuration, which remains the same for isotopes.. Option D describes Isobars, which are atoms of different elements with the same mass number.

Answer: A is correct — Isotopes are atoms of the same element characterized by identical atomic numbers but different mass numbers due to varying neutron counts.

Exam Tip: Remember: Isotopes have same Z, different A. Isobars have same A, different Z (different elements). Isotones have same N (neutrons), different Z.

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Option B: different number of protons

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Option C: different chemical properties

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Option D: the same mass number but different atomic numbers

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