Question

Isotopes are atoms of an element that possess different numbers of

1. neutrons
2. electrons
3. protons
4. all of the above

Answer 1

Isotopes are atoms of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to different mass numbers but identical chemical behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that possess different numbers of neutrons. All isotopes of an element have the same atomic number, which means they have the same number of protons and electrons, and thus exhibit the same chemical behavior. However, isotopes differ in their mass number, which is the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus. For example, carbon-12 has six protons and six neutrons, while carbon-14 has six protons and eight neutrons, making them both isotopes of carbon with differing atomic masses but the same chemical properties.