Question detail
What are isotopes?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and isotopes
Question
- A. Atoms of different elements with the same number of neutrons
- B. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons
- C. Atoms with the same mass number but different atomic numbers
- D. Atoms that have lost electrons and become ions
Answer
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons
Explanation
Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.
Common mistake
Misidentifying Isotopes
Students often think that isotopes differ in the number of protons rather than neutrons, so they describe isotopes as having different atomic numbers.
Remind that isotopes are atoms of the same element (same atomic number) that have different numbers of neutrons, giving them different mass numbers.
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