Question

Which notations represent atoms that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons? A) H-2 and He-3 (B) Ga-70 and Ge-73
C) S-32 and S-32 (D) Cl-35 and Cl-37

Answer 1

Answer:

Answer and Explanation: Choice 3 is the correct answer choice

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons are called isotopes. Whenever we see an element symbol followed by a dash and a number, that number represents the mass of the element. Choice 1 is incorrect since H and He are different elements and therefore have different numbers of protons. Choice 2 is incorrect since these are two identical atoms with the same number of protons and neutrons. Choice 4 is incorrect since Ga and Ge are different elements. Choice 3 is correct since both are atoms of Cl and therefore have the same number of protons. Yet, their masses are different and thus the number of neutrons differ as well.

Answer 2

Answer:

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons are called isotopes.

Whenever we see an element symbol followed by a dash and a number, that number represents the mass of the element.

Choice 1 is incorrect since H and He are different elements and therefore have different numbers of protons.

Choice 2 is incorrect since these are two identical atoms with the same number of protons and neutrons.

Choice 4 is incorrect since Ga and Ge are different elements.

Choice 3 is correct since both are atoms of Cl and therefore have the same number of protons.

Yet, their masses are different and thus the number of neutrons differ as well.