⚙️ how
How do isotopes of the same element differ?
ChemistryIsotopes
Quick Answer
Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. That means they are the same element chemically, but they can have different masses and stability.
The Full Story
An element is defined by its number of protons, so all isotopes of an element share the same atomic number. Carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14 each have 6 protons, but different neutron counts. Because chemistry depends mostly on electrons, isotopes behave almost the same in reactions. Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive and decay over time.
Key Facts
1.Carbon-14 is radioactive
2.Isotopes differ by neutron number
3.Chemical behavior is usually nearly the same
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Same element, different mass: the isotope trick"