Question detail
What defines an isotope of an element?
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. Different numbers of protons
- B. Different numbers of electrons
- C. Different numbers of neutrons
- D. Same number of neutrons
Answer
Different numbers of neutrons
Explanation
Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
Common mistake
Misinterpreting Atomic Size
Students often think the radius of an atom is 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m for all elements, ignoring that atomic radius varies with element and bonding environment.
Explain that 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m is an average value for a typical neutral atom; actual radii differ between elements and depend on factors such as nuclear charge and electron shielding.
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