How do two isotopes of the same element compare with each other?
A.They have the same number of protons but a different number of electrons.
B.They have the same mass number but a different number of protons.
C.They have the same mass number but a different number of neutrons.
D.They have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
To determine how two isotopes of the same element compare with each other, we need to understand what isotopes are. Isotopes are different forms of an element that have the same number of protons but differ in their number of neutrons.
Now, let's analyze the options:
A. They have the same number of protons but a different number of electrons.
This option is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of protons, but the number of electrons can vary depending on the ionization state of the atom.
B. They have the same mass number but a different number of protons.
This option is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of protons since they are the same element. The mass number refers to the sum of the protons and neutrons, but the number of protons in isotopes remains the same.
C. They have the same mass number but a different number of neutrons.
This option is correct. Isotopes of the same element have the same mass number, which is the sum of the protons and neutrons. However, they have a different number of neutrons, which leads to differences in atomic mass.
D. They have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.
This option is correct. Isotopes have the same number of protons, which defines the element. However, they can have different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different isotopes of the element.
So, the correct answer is D. They have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.