Question

1. the illustration below shows atoms of three isotopes of potassium (k). the atomic masses of the atoms are different. why are the three atoms the same element? each atom has the same number of neutrons, but the number of protons differs slightly between isotopes. each atom has a different number of electrons, but they have identical chemical properties due to equal atomic numbers. each atom has the same number of protons, which defines the element, even though the number of neutrons varies. each atom has the same total number of subatomic particles, so the element identity remains constant.

Explanation:

Elements are defined by the number of protons in an atom. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since these potassium - isotopes have the same number of protons, they are the same element.

Answer:

Each atom has the same number of protons, which defines the element, even though the number of neutrons varies.