Question detail

Which statement is true about isotopes of an element?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

Show answer Topic hub Objective page

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and isotopes

Question

A. They have different chemical properties.
B. They have the same number of protons.
C. They have different atomic numbers.
D. They have different numbers of electrons.

Answer

The correct answer is B: They have the same number of protons..

Explanation

The correct answer is B: They have the same number of protons.. This supports the learning objective "Define isotopes as atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons." in Mass number, atomic number and isotopes because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and isotopes. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Mass number, atomic number and isotopes idea: They have different chemical properties.; They have different atomic numbers.; They have different numbers of electrons..

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.

Related flashcards

Flashcard 1 of 5

Press Space to flip, arrows to move