Chapter 3.3, Problem 7RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Similarities and differences in two isotopes of the same element needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Every matter is made of chemicals; the importance of chemistry is that it's the study of everything. Chemistry is all about how something interacts to affect the structure, composition, as well as knowing properties of substances.

Answer to Problem 7RQ

According to the definition of isotopes:

• Atomic number will be same.
• Number of protonswill be same.
• Number of neutronswill be different.
• Number of electronswill be same.
• Element symbolwill be different.

Explanation of Solution

Protons are defined as a positively charged $\left(+ve\right)$ sub-atomic particles/ units found in the nucleus of an atom. Electron are negatively charged subatomic particles found orbiting the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom which are neutral.

An atom has a nucleus with a positive charge due to its protons and has electrons in the space surrounding the nucleus at relatively large distance from it. Isotopes are atoms of same element with different neutrons. Isotopes of an element will have different masses and number of neutrons and also, it has same number of electrons, protons. Isotopes of element react in exactly the same way because reactions involve neutrons, electrons have no effect on chemical reactions.

Conclusion

In two isotopes, Atomic number, number of protons, number of electrons will be same but number of neutrons, symbol and mass number will be different.