Atoms of the same element whose nuclei contain the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons, are called
A) isotonics.
B) heterotopes.
C) isotopes.
D) homotopes.
E) heterotonics.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (which defines the element), but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in the number of neutrons results in isotopes having different atomic masses. Isotopes can have slightly different physical and chemical properties, but they remain the same element because they have the same number of protons. The other choices (A, B, D, and E) are not accurate terms for describing isotopes.

Atoms of the Same Element Whose Nuclei Contain the Same