Chemistry
Define an 'isotope'. Give reasons why isotopes have same chemical but different physical properties.
Answer
Isotopes are atoms of the same element having same atomic number but different mass numbers.
Chemical properties of isotopes of the same element are similar because chemical properties are dependent on the electronic configuration of an atom. As Isotopes have same atomic number so they have same number of electrons and hence same electronic configuration.
Physical properties of isotopes of the same element are different because physical properties are dependent on the atomic mass. Isotopes have different mass number [A], different number of neutrons and hence different atomic masses giving them different physical properties.
Related Questions
Draw the geometric atomic structure of the three isotopes of hydrogen and the two isotopes of chlorine.
The following elements U to Z are given 3U, 6V, 9W, 14X, 18Y, 20Z
State the electronic configuration of each and state whether they are metals, non-metals or inert gases.
Four elements A, B, C, D are given :
A shows the presence of 20 neutrons, 17 protons and 17 electrons.
B shows the presence of 18 neutrons, 17 protons and 17 electrons.
C shows the presence of 10 neutrons, 9 protons and 10 electrons.
D shows the presence of 4 neutrons, 3 protons and 2 electrons.
State which of the above is —
(a) an anion
(b) a cation
(c) a pair of isotopes.
Write the formula of the compound formed between D and C.