Isotopes: What do atoms of the same element (isotopes) have in common? Focus on nuclear composition and atomic number vs. mass number for isotopic nuclides. Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AThe same number of neutrons but different protons
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BThe same number of protons (atomic number) but different neutrons
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CDifferent numbers of electrons in neutral atoms
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DIdentical mass numbers but different atomic numbers
Answer
Correct Answer: The same number of protons (atomic number) but different neutrons
Explanation
ConceptIsotopes: same Z (protons), different N (neutrons) ⇒ different mass number A = Z + N.
ExampleCarbon-12 and Carbon-14 both have Z = 6 but N = 6 and 8 respectively.
Final AnswerThe same number of protons (atomic number) but different neutrons