Chapter 4.3, Problem 27LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : It is necessary to examine and contrast how the isotopes of a certain element vary from one another.

Concept Introduction : Atoms that have various numbers of neutrons and different masses, but the same number of protons are called isotopes.

Answer to Problem 27LC

The isotope of a given element differs from one another because they differ in the number of neutrons in it thereby creating a change in mass number.

Explanation of Solution

Isotopes have the same atomic number but different atomic masses.

Since the subatomic particles such as protons and electrons, which are responsible for chemical behavior, are present in equal proportions in isotopes, they are chemically similar.

The isotope of a given element differs from one another because they differ in the number of neutrons in it thereby creating a change in mass number.

Consider the isotopes of carbon namely carbon-12 and carbon-13. Here, carbon-12 contains 6 neutrons and a mass number is 12 while carbon-13 contains 7 neutrons and a mass number is 13.