Chapter 26, Problem 32A

To determine

To Define: The isotopes.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Isotopes are variations of a particular chemical element that vary in number of neutrons, and consequently in number of nucleons. Both isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons in each atom but different number of neutrons.

The atoms of the same element with the same chemical properties having different masses are called isotopes. For example, isotopes of hydrogen are

Hydrogen: $H{}^1$

Deuterium: $H{}^2$

And tritium: $H{}^3$

The atomic number is same in all the isotopes of hydrogen but the mass number is different in each of them.

Conclusion:

Hence, the atoms of the same element with the same chemical properties having different masses are called as isotopes.