QuestionMay 9, 2025

Isotopes of an element are atoms with different numbers of A electronic shells B neutrons C electrons D protons

Isotopes of an element are atoms with different numbers of A electronic shells B neutrons C electrons D protons
Isotopes of an element are atoms with different numbers of A electronic shells B neutrons C electrons D protons

Solution
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Answer

Correct option: **B (neutrons)** Isotopes of an element are atoms with different numbers of neutrons. Explanation 1. Understanding isotopes Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. This difference in neutron count leads to variations in atomic mass while keeping the chemical properties largely similar. 2. Analyzing the options - **Option A (electronic shells):** The number of electronic shells depends on the electron configuration, which is determined by the atomic number. Isotopes of an element have the same atomic number, so they do not differ in electronic shells. - **Option B (neutrons):** Correct. Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons, which changes their atomic mass. - **Option C (electrons):** The number of electrons determines the charge state of an atom or ion, not its isotope. Neutral atoms of isotopes have the same number of electrons as protons. - **Option D (protons):** The number of protons defines the element itself. Changing the number of protons would result in a different element, not an isotope.

Explanation

1. Understanding isotopes<br /> Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. This difference in neutron count leads to variations in atomic mass while keeping the chemical properties largely similar.<br /><br />2. Analyzing the options<br /> - **Option A (electronic shells):** The number of electronic shells depends on the electron configuration, which is determined by the atomic number. Isotopes of an element have the same atomic number, so they do not differ in electronic shells.<br /> - **Option B (neutrons):** Correct. Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons, which changes their atomic mass.<br /> - **Option C (electrons):** The number of electrons determines the charge state of an atom or ion, not its isotope. Neutral atoms of isotopes have the same number of electrons as protons.<br /> - **Option D (protons):** The number of protons defines the element itself. Changing the number of protons would result in a different element, not an isotope.
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