Refer to the two statements given below and choose the CORRECT option. Statement A: Isotopes of an element hav

Question

Refer to the two statements given below and choose the CORRECT option. Statement A: Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different number of neutrons. Statement B: Isotopes have identical chemical properties due to the same electronic configuration.

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The correct answer is Option A: Both A and B are correct. Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that differ in neutron count, meaning they have the same atomic number ($Z$) but different mass numbers ($A$). Since chemical properties are determined by the electronic configuration, isotopes of the same element behave almost identically in chemical reactions.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that differ in neutron count, meaning they have the same atomic number ($Z$) but different mass numbers ($A$). Since chemical properties are determined by the electronic configuration, isotopes of the same element behave almost identically in chemical reactions.

Working Principle: The chemical behavior of an atom is governed by the number and arrangement of its valence electrons. Because isotopes of an element possess identical atomic numbers, they contain the same number of protons and electrons, resulting in an identical electron configuration. Variations in the number of neutrons affect the physical properties (like mass or radioactivity) but not the valence electron shell structure, thus leaving chemical reactivity unchanged.

Key Formulas: $A = Z + N$ — where $A$ is the mass number, $Z$ is the atomic number (number of protons), and $N$ is the number of neutrons.; $Z = 	ext{number of protons} = 	ext{number of electrons (in neutral atom)}$

Key Points: Isotopes have identical atomic numbers ($Z$).; Isotopes have different mass numbers ($A$) due to varying neutron counts ($N$).; Chemical properties depend on valence electrons, which are invariant across isotopes.; Physical properties like density and diffusion rate vary due to differences in atomic mass.

Advantages: Used in medical diagnostics and cancer treatment.; Helps in radiocarbon dating for archaeological finds.

Disadvantages: Some isotopes are unstable and undergo radioactive decay.; Difficult to separate isotopes due to their identical chemical nature.

Applications: Carbon-14 for archaeological dating.; Cobalt-60 for radiotherapy in cancer treatment.

Additional Info: The word isotope comes from Greek 'isos' (same) and 'topos' (place), meaning they occupy the same place in the Periodic Table.. Hydrogen has three common isotopes: Protium ($^1H$), Deuterium ($^2H$), and Tritium ($^3H$).

Answer: A is correct — Isotopes share the same electronic configuration, which dictates their identical chemical behavior despite differences in nuclear composition.

Exam Tip: Remember that while chemical properties are identical for isotopes, physical properties such as boiling point and density differ because they depend directly on the atomic mass.

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Option B: Only A is correct

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Option C: Only B is correct

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Option D: Both A and B are incorrect

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