Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but can have different numbers of what?

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Study for the Georgia High School Physical Science Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, detailed hints and explanations included. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but can have different numbers of what?

Explanation:
Isotopes share the same number of protons, which is what defines the element, but they can vary in the number of neutrons in the nucleus. Neutrons contribute to the mass but not to the charge, so adding or removing neutrons changes the mass without changing the element’s identity. For example, carbon atoms with 6 protons can have different neutron counts, like carbon-12 (6 neutrons) and carbon-14 (8 neutrons). The number of electrons is tied to charge in a neutral atom, so changing electrons isn’t what distinguishes isotopes.

Isotopes share the same number of protons, which is what defines the element, but they can vary in the number of neutrons in the nucleus. Neutrons contribute to the mass but not to the charge, so adding or removing neutrons changes the mass without changing the element’s identity. For example, carbon atoms with 6 protons can have different neutron counts, like carbon-12 (6 neutrons) and carbon-14 (8 neutrons). The number of electrons is tied to charge in a neutral atom, so changing electrons isn’t what distinguishes isotopes.

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