Question

Differentiate between Isotopes and isobars. Also write the application of isotopes

Answer 1

Isotopes are atoms that have same atomic number but different mass numbers. Isotopes have the same atomic number because the number of protons inside their nuclei remains the same. Isobars have different atomic numbers because they have different numbers of protons.

Answer 2

Isotopes have same atomic number but different mass numbers.
They are the atoms of same element.
Example -- 3 isotopes of hydrogen
Protium
Deuterium
Tritium.
They only differ by mass numbers.
They have same chemical properties as they have same electronic configuration.

Isobars have different atomic number but same mass numbers.
They are atoms of different elements.
Example-- Argon and Calcium
They have 18 and 20 as their atomic number respectively but same mass number that is 40.
They have different chemical properties as they have different electronic configuration.

Applications of isotopes :

1) P-32 used in agricultural research.
2) Na-24 used to detect blood clots.
3) I-132 used in treatment of goitre.
4) Co-60 used in treatment of cancer