Question detail

What defines isotopes of the same element?

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

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and isotopes

Question

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

Answer

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

Explanation

The correct answer is C: They have the same number of protons.. This supports the learning objective "Explain why isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties." 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 numbers of protons.; They have the same number of neutrons.; They have different chemical properties..

Common mistake

Misconception about chemical properties of isotopes

Students often think that isotopes of the same element have different chemical properties because they contain different numbers of neutrons.

Explain that chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons, which is the same for all isotopes of an element. Neutrons only affect the mass and nuclear stability, not the electron configuration or chemical behaviour.

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