Which Pair Of Atoms Are Isotopes Of The Same Element?Choose 1 Answer:A. 9 21 X {}_9^{21} X 9 21 ​ X And 10 21 X {}_{10}^{21} X 10 21 ​ X B. 9 21 X {}_9^{21} X 9 21 ​ X And 10 22 X {}_{10}^{22} X 10 22 ​ X C. 10 21 X {}_{10}^{21} X 10 21 ​ X And 10 22 X {}_{10}^{22} X 10 22 ​ X

Understanding Isotopes: A Key Concept in Chemistry

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differ in the number of neutrons. This difference in neutron number affects the atomic mass of the isotopes, making them distinct from one another. In this article, we will explore which pair of atoms are isotopes of the same element.

What are Isotopes?

Isotopes are atoms that belong to the same element, meaning they have the same atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus). However, they can have different numbers of neutrons, which affects their atomic mass. The atomic number is a unique identifier for each element, and it determines the chemical properties of an element. Isotopes, on the other hand, have the same atomic number but differ in their atomic mass due to the varying number of neutrons.

Properties of Isotopes

Isotopes share many properties with each other, including:

• Atomic number: Isotopes have the same atomic number, which determines their chemical properties.
• Chemical reactivity: Isotopes react with other elements in the same way, as their chemical properties are determined by their atomic number.
• Electron configuration: Isotopes have the same electron configuration, which determines their chemical behavior.

However, isotopes also have some distinct properties, including:

• Atomic mass: Isotopes have different atomic masses due to the varying number of neutrons.
• Nuclear stability: Isotopes can have different levels of nuclear stability, which affects their half-life and radioactivity.

Identifying Isotopes

To identify isotopes, we need to look at the atomic number and the atomic mass of the atoms. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, and it determines the chemical properties of an element. The atomic mass is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, and it affects the atomic mass of the isotope.

Analyzing the Options

Now, let's analyze the options given:

A. ${}_9^{21} X$ and ${}_{10}^{21} X$

• The atomic number of the first atom is 9, and the atomic number of the second atom is 10. This means that the two atoms do not belong to the same element.
• The atomic mass of the first atom is 21, and the atomic mass of the second atom is also 21. This means that the two atoms have the same atomic mass, but they do not belong to the same element.

B. ${}_9^{21} X$ and ${}_{10}^{22} X$

• The atomic number of the first atom is 9, and the atomic number of the second atom is 10. This means that the two atoms do not belong to the same element.
• The atomic mass of the first atom is 21, and the atomic mass of the second atom is 22. This means that the two atoms have different atomic masses, and they do not belong to the same element.

C. ${}_{10}^{21} X$ and ${}_{10}^{22} X$

• The atomic number of both atoms is 10, which means that they belong to the same element.
• The atomic mass of the first atom is 21, and the atomic mass of the second atom is 22. This means that the two atoms have different atomic masses, making them isotopes of the same element.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the options, the correct answer is:

C. ${}_{10}^{21} X$ and ${}_{10}^{22} X$

These two atoms have the same atomic number (10) but differ in their atomic mass (21 and 22), making them isotopes of the same element.

Key Takeaways

• Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differ in the number of neutrons.
• Isotopes share many properties with each other, including atomic number, chemical reactivity, and electron configuration.
• Isotopes can have different levels of nuclear stability, which affects their half-life and radioactivity.
• To identify isotopes, we need to look at the atomic number and the atomic mass of the atoms.
• Isotopes can be identified by their atomic mass, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What are isotopes? A: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differ in the number of neutrons.
• Q: What are the properties of isotopes? A: Isotopes share many properties with each other, including atomic number, chemical reactivity, and electron configuration.
• Q: How do we identify isotopes? A: We identify isotopes by looking at the atomic number and the atomic mass of the atoms.
• Q: What is the difference between isotopes and isobars? A: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons. Isobars, on the other hand, are atoms of different elements that have the same mass number (total number of protons and neutrons).
  Isotopes Q&A: Understanding the Basics

In our previous article, we explored the concept of isotopes and how they differ from one another. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of isotopes and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these fascinating atoms.

Q: What is the difference between isotopes and isobars?

A: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons. Isobars, on the other hand, are atoms of different elements that have the same mass number (total number of protons and neutrons). For example, carbon-12 and nitrogen-12 are isobars, but they are not isotopes of the same element.

Q: How do isotopes affect the properties of an element?

A: Isotopes can affect the properties of an element in several ways. For example, the atomic mass of an element can affect its chemical reactivity, and the number of neutrons in an isotope can affect its nuclear stability. Additionally, isotopes can also affect the physical properties of an element, such as its melting and boiling points.

Q: Can isotopes be used to identify the age of a sample?

A: Yes, isotopes can be used to identify the age of a sample. This is known as radiometric dating, and it involves measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes present in a sample. By comparing the amount of radioactive isotopes to the amount of stable isotopes, scientists can determine the age of the sample.

Q: What is the difference between stable and radioactive isotopes?

A: Stable isotopes are isotopes that do not undergo radioactive decay, meaning they do not emit radiation or change into a different element. Radioactive isotopes, on the other hand, are isotopes that undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation or changing into a different element.

Q: Can isotopes be used to track the movement of elements in the environment?

A: Yes, isotopes can be used to track the movement of elements in the environment. This is known as isotopic tracing, and it involves measuring the amount of isotopes present in a sample. By comparing the amount of isotopes to the amount of stable isotopes, scientists can determine the movement of elements in the environment.

Q: What is the significance of isotopes in medicine?

A: Isotopes play a significant role in medicine, particularly in the field of nuclear medicine. Isotopes are used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, such as cancer and thyroid disorders. For example, radioactive isotopes can be used to destroy cancer cells, while stable isotopes can be used to diagnose medical conditions.

Q: Can isotopes be used to study the Earth's climate?

A: Yes, isotopes can be used to study the Earth's climate. This is known as paleoclimatology, and it involves measuring the amount of isotopes present in ancient samples. By comparing the amount of isotopes to the amount of stable isotopes, scientists can determine the Earth's climate in the past.

Q: What is the difference between isotopes and allotropes?

A: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons. Allotropes, on the other hand, are different physical forms of the same element. For example, diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon, but they are not isotopes of the same element.

Q: Can isotopes be used to study the properties of materials?

A: Yes, isotopes can be used to study the properties of materials. This is known as isotopic labeling, and it involves measuring the amount of isotopes present in a sample. By comparing the amount of isotopes to the amount of stable isotopes, scientists can determine the properties of materials.

Q: What is the significance of isotopes in the field of nuclear energy?

A: Isotopes play a significant role in the field of nuclear energy, particularly in the production of electricity. Isotopes are used to fuel nuclear reactors, which generate electricity by harnessing the energy released from the fission of atomic nuclei.

Q: Can isotopes be used to study the properties of biological systems?

A: Yes, isotopes can be used to study the properties of biological systems. This is known as isotopic labeling, and it involves measuring the amount of isotopes present in a sample. By comparing the amount of isotopes to the amount of stable isotopes, scientists can determine the properties of biological systems.

Q: What is the difference between isotopes and isomers?

A: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons. Isomers, on the other hand, are molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in their structure. For example, benzene and cyclohexane are isomers, but they are not isotopes of the same element.

Q: Can isotopes be used to study the properties of the universe?

A: Yes, isotopes can be used to study the properties of the universe. This is known as cosmology, and it involves measuring the amount of isotopes present in the universe. By comparing the amount of isotopes to the amount of stable isotopes, scientists can determine the properties of the universe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, isotopes are fascinating atoms that play a significant role in various fields, including medicine, nuclear energy, and the study of the Earth's climate. By understanding the properties and behavior of isotopes, scientists can gain valuable insights into the workings of the universe and develop new technologies to improve our lives.