Question

Define isotopes. Why do isotopes have same atomic number but different mass
numbers ? Explain with the help of an example?​

Answer 1

Explanation:

The atoms of a chemical element can exist in different types. These are called isotopes. They have the same number of protons (and electrons), but different numbers of neutrons. ... Because different isotopes have different numbers of neutrons, they do not all weigh the same or have the same mass.

Answer 2

Required Answer:

1. Define isotopes

⇒ Isotopes are atoms that have the same atomic number but with different mass numbers. They have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

2. Why do isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass  numbers?

⇒ The isotope is one of the characteristic properties of an element that they have the same number of protons and the different number of neutrons as it is decided by the number of protons. Hence they have the same atomic number but the different atomic mass number.

3. Explain with the help of an example?​

⇒ Carbon

• Carbon 12

It has 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Thus, the mass number is 12 (Protons + Neutrons).

• Carbon 13

It has 6 protons and 7 neutrons. Thus, the mass number is 13 (Protons + Neutrons).

• Carbon 14

It has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. Thus, the mass number is 14 (Protons + Neutrons).

Note: The number of protons is the same but the number of neutrons is different in each case.