Question detail
Which of the following correctly describes isotopes?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atomic structure
Question
- A. Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
- B. Atoms with different numbers of protons and neutrons
- C. Atoms with the same mass number but different atomic numbers
- D. Atoms with different chemical properties but the same mass
Answer
Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
Explanation
The evidence shows that isotopes are defined as variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers. The implication is that isotopes can exhibit different physical properties while maintaining similar chemical behavior, leading to the conclusion that understanding isotopes is essential in fields such as nuclear chemistry and medicine.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Mass Spectra Peaks
Students often misinterpret the peaks in a mass spectrum, thinking that each peak represents a different element rather than different isotopes of the same element.
To correct this, students should focus on understanding that each peak corresponds to isotopes of the same element, with the height of the peak indicating the relative abundance of each isotope.
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