Whow do isotopes differ from each other?

Answer 1

They differ from each other in the number of neutrons, and therefore also the mass. They will also have different stabilities (for example, some of them may be radioactive), but this is complicated.

Answer 2

Isotopes

Atoms have protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the shells.

The number of protons = the number electrons

The mass of the atom is due to the protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Copper is number 29 on the Periodic Table, which means all copper atoms have 29 protons in the nucleus.

Copper has two naturally occurring isotopes. Cu- 63 has 29 protons and 34 neutrons and has an Atomic Mass of 62.93. Cu-65 has 29 protons and 34 neutrons and has an atomic mass of 64.93.Isotopes have different numbers of neutrons.

Answer 3

The definitive statement is 'Isotopes of an element have a different number of neutrons'.

Taking hydrogen as an example.

It has three isotopes;-

#1 ; protium ; 1 proton, 0 neutrons, 1 electron ( The commonest isotope)

#2 ; deuterium ; 1 proton, 1 neutron, 1 electron ( also known as heavy hydrogen)

#3 ; tritium ; 1 proton , 2 neutrons, 1 electron ( radio-active; and also known as super heavy hydrogen).

Note in each case the different number of neutrons.

Answer 4

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in the number of neutrons gives isotopes different atomic weights, but they still have the same chemical properties.

Answer 5

The number of neutrons contained in the nucleus.