Question

What is the definition of an "isotope" based on the patterns in the particle compositions of atoms?

a) Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
b) Isotopes are atoms with the same number of electrons but different numbers of protons.
c) Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons and neutrons.
d) Isotopes are atoms with different atomic numbers.

Answer 1

Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to variations in their atomic mass but not in their chemical behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

The definition of an isotope based on the patterns in the particle compositions of atoms is that isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is a) Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes. All isotopes of an element have the same number of protons and electrons, hence they exhibit the same chemical behaviors. They only differ in their atomic mass, which is represented by the mass number (A), the sum of the numbers of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.