Chapter 16.1, Problem 16.3QAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

“ a. Write the atomic symbol for each isotope of potassium.”

“b. In what ways are the isotopes similar and in what ways do they differ?”

Should be explained

Concept introduction:

► Isotopes: The atoms of an element with different mass number or atomic mass are called isotopes. They have same number of protons and electrons but different number of neutrons. Therefore it is not necessary that all atoms of a given element contain the same number of neutrons in their nuclei. For example hydrogen has three isotopes ${\text{H}}^{\text{1}}{\text{, H}}^{\text{2}}{\text{,H}}^{\text{3}}$ with 0, 1 and 2 neutrons in their nuclei respectively.