Then, do isotopes have different atomic radii? since they all have different numbers of neutrons. Even if they only differ by 10^-23 m, there is still some diff right?
sure
Sorry - are you being sarcastic or serious (its a bit hard to tell from text)
Yes, isotopes can have slightly different atomic radii due to differences in the number of neutrons. While the difference in atomic radii between isotopes is typically very small (on the order of 10^-23 m), it can still be detected and quantified.
To understand why isotopes can have different atomic radii, it is essential to consider how atomic radii are measured. Atomic radii are typically determined using techniques like X-ray diffraction or spectroscopy, which provide information about the spatial distribution of electrons around an atom.
Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons, which determines the element's identity, but they differ in the number of neutrons. Neutrons contribute to the overall mass of the atom but have minimal influence on the atomic radius. Instead, atomic radii primarily depend on the number and distribution of electrons.
However, the presence of additional neutrons in isotopes can lead to a slightly different distribution of electrons. This altered electron distribution can result in minor variations in atomic size. The effect is usually subtle, and the differences in atomic radius between isotopes are generally within the measurement precision of experimental techniques.
In summary, isotopes can indeed have slightly different atomic radii due to variations in the number of neutrons, although in most cases, the differences are extremely small and difficult to measure accurately.