Physics – 5.1.2 The nucleus | e-Consult
5.1.2 The nucleus (1 questions)
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An isotope is an atom of the same element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.
Isotopes of an element are the same because they have the same number of protons (which defines the element). Therefore, they have the same number of electrons and thus the same chemical properties.
Isotopes of an element are different because they have a different number of neutrons. This results in different mass numbers. Because of this difference in mass, isotopes have different physical properties, such as different masses and slightly different nuclear stability. The difference in mass can also affect their rates of radioactive decay.