Isotopes of an element are the atom which have –a)The same numbe...
Species which have same atomic number that is number of protons.... Hence option d....
Isotopes of an element are the atom which have –a)The same numbe...
Understanding Isotopes
Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that share the same number of protons but have different numbers of neutrons. This fundamental characteristic defines what isotopes are and why option 'D' is the correct answer.
Key Characteristics of Isotopes:
- Same Number of Protons:
- Isotopes of an element have the same atomic number, which is determined by the number of protons in the nucleus. This means they belong to the same element and exhibit similar chemical properties.
- Different Number of Neutrons:
- While isotopes have the same number of protons, they differ in the number of neutrons. This variation leads to different mass numbers (the total number of protons and neutrons).
- Mass Number Variability:
- Since isotopes have different numbers of neutrons, they will have different mass numbers. This is crucial in distinguishing between isotopes.
- Stable and Unstable Isotopes:
- Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive (unstable) and decay over time, emitting radiation.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
- Option A: The same number of neutrons is incorrect because isotopes have different numbers of neutrons.
- Option B: The same mass number is incorrect since isotopes differ in mass numbers due to varying neutron counts.
- Option C: Different number of electrons is incorrect as isotopes of the same element have the same number of electrons in a neutral atom.
Conclusion:
In summary, isotopes are defined by having the same number of protons in their nuclei, which is why option 'D' is the correct choice. Understanding isotopes enhances our knowledge of chemical elements and their properties.