Multiple Choice
If you know the number of protons in a neutral atom, which of the following pieces of information can NOT be determined?
2. Atoms & Elements
Isotopes
Multiple Choice
How are isotopes of a given element similar?
A
They have the same number of neutrons.
B
They have the same number of protons.
C
They have different atomic numbers.
D
They have different chemical symbols.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons but have the same number of protons.
Understand that the number of protons defines the element and its atomic number, so isotopes share the same atomic number.
Recognize that because isotopes have the same number of protons, they have the same chemical symbol representing the element.
Note that isotopes differ in their neutron count, which affects their mass number but not their chemical properties significantly.
Conclude that isotopes of a given element are similar because they have the same number of protons, which determines their identity as that element.
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