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Chapter 3: Problem 1

Define isotope.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Isotopes are forms of the same element with equal number of protons but different number of neutrons in their nuclei, which results in different atomic masses. Isotopes may be stable or radioactive, and can show different physical properties but not chemical properties.

Step by step solution

01

Break down the term

To understand the term isotope, it's important to know that it refers to different forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.
02

Elaboration

This distinction between isotopes of an element lies in the atomic mass due to the different number of neutrons in the nucleus. Isotopes can be either stable or radioactive, and can exhibit different physical properties, but not chemical properties.
03

Examples

For example, hydrogen has three isotopes: protium (1H) with no neutrons, deuterium (2H) with one neutron, and tritium (3H) with two neutrons. All three share the same atomic number (1) indicating the same number of protons, but they have different atomic masses.

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