Ima

Definition:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Easy way to remember:

Same element ➜ same protonsDifferent isotopes ➜ different neutrons

Example:

Carbon isotopes

• Carbon-12 → 6 protons, 6 neutrons

• Carbon-13 → 6 protons, 7 neutrons

• Carbon-14 → 6 protons, 8 neutrons

Key points:

• Chemical properties are almost the same

• Mass number is different

• Written like:

  Carbon-12, Hydrogen-1, Hydrogen-2

Fun Fact :

Carbon-14 is used by scientists to find the age of old bones and fossils!