Q. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different
Solution:
- Isotopes are two or more types of atoms that have the same atomic number (number of protons in their nuclei) and position in the periodic table (and hence belong to the same chemical element), and that differ in nucleon numbers (mass numbers) due to different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.
- Not all isotopes are radioactive.
- Stable isotopes either never decay or else decay very slowly. Radioactive isotopes undergo decay.
- Carbon 12 and Carbon 14 are both isotopes of carbon, one with 6 neutrons and one with 8 neutrons (both with 6 protons). Carbon-12 is a stable isotope, while carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope (radioisotope).
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