What common property do isobars share?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option B: Same mass number. Isobars are atoms of different chemical elements that have the same mass number but different atomic numbers. This means they possess the same total number of nucleons (protons plus neutrons) while differing in the number of protons.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
Isobars are atoms of different chemical elements that have the same mass number but different atomic numbers. This means they possess the same total number of nucleons (protons plus neutrons) while differing in the number of protons.

Working Principle: The mass number $A$ is defined as the sum of the number of protons $Z$ and the number of neutrons $N$, expressed as $A = Z + N$. In isobars, the increase in the number of protons in one atom is exactly balanced by a decrease in the number of neutrons, maintaining a constant sum $A$. Consequently, since the number of protons ($Z$) changes, these atoms represent different chemical elements with distinct electronic configurations.

Key Formulas: $A = Z + N$ — $A$ is the mass number, $Z$ is the atomic number, and $N$ is the neutron count.; $^{A}_{Z}X$ — The standard notation for an isotope/isobar where $X$ is the chemical symbol.

Key Points: Isobars occupy different positions in the Periodic Table due to different atomic numbers.; They exhibit different chemical properties because chemical behavior is governed by the number of electrons (which equals $Z$ in neutral atoms).; They have similar physical properties only if those properties are dependent on nuclear mass.; Example: $^{40}_{18}	ext{Ar}$ and $^{40}_{20}	ext{Ca}$ are isobars.

Applications: Used in nuclear physics to study the stability of nuclei.; Important for understanding radioactive decay paths (e.g., $\beta$-decay processes).

Additional Info: Atomic number is the number of protons.. Mass number is the total count of nucleons.. Option A defines Isotopes.. Option C defines Isotones (which have the same number of neutrons).

Answer: B is correct — Isobars are characterized by having the same mass number ($A$), which is the sum of protons and neutrons.

Exam Tip: Remember: Isotopes have same $Z$, Isobars have same $A$, and Isotones have same $N$ (number of neutrons). Use the last letters: Isotop-E (electrons/protons), Isob-A-r (mass A), Isoto-N-e (neutrons N).

Examoogle · Answer

Option A: Same atomic number

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Option C: Same number of neutrons

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Option D: Same chemical properties

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