How do different isotopes of the same element differ?

Question

Jeremiah Adams · Accepted Answer

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Two or more than two kinds of atom which have same proton number but different neutron number so that the mass number changes e.g #C^12# and #C^14#.So isotopes of same element differ.

Peyton Adams · Answer

Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons in the nucleus

Because of their identical electron structures, all isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons as well as the same chemical properties. The number of neutrons is different. This causes variations in the mass or atomic weight of the atoms. Additionally, variations in the ratio between the number of protons (which does not vary) and the number of neutrons lead to variations in the nuclear reactions of the isotopes. # U_92^235# is highly radioactive with 92 protons and 143 neutrons. This is an unstable ratio of positive protons and neutral neutrons and the nucleus of the atoms split apart making #U_92^235# useful in making atomic bombs. # U_92^238# while also radioactive is much more stable. This isotope had 92 protons and 146 neutrons. #U_92^238# has a half life of about 4.5 billion years. The quantity of neutrons that distinguishes isotopes from one another. This variation in neutron quantity also affects the isotopes' mass and nuclear reactions.

Avery Adams · Answer

undefined The number of protons in the nuclei of different isotopes of the same element is the same, but the number of neutrons varies.

Caleb Adams · Answer

undefined Different isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons in their nuclei, as they belong to the same element. However, they differ in the number of neutrons in their nuclei. This variance in the number of neutrons results in isotopes having different atomic masses. Despite this difference in atomic mass, isotopes of the same element exhibit similar chemical properties due to having the same number of protons, which determines an element's chemical behavior.