Question

part i. answer the questions based on the above reading. 1. what is an isotope? 2. what does the number next to isotopes signify? 3. how can you tell isotopes of the same element apart?

Explanation:

1. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
2. The number next to isotopes is the mass - number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
3. Isotopes of the same element can be told apart by their mass - numbers (or the number of neutrons) since the number of protons is the same for the same element.

Answer:

1. Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
2. The mass - number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
3. By their mass - numbers (or the number of neutrons).