Question

question 4
1 pts
(c.6b) which pair below describes isotopes of the same element?
an atom with 8 protons and 8 neutrons - an atom with 7 protons and 8 neutrons
an atom with 6 protons and 8 neutrons - an atom with 8 protons and 6 neutrons
an atom with 6 protons and 6 neutrons - an atom with 6 protons and 7 neutrons
an atom with 7 protons and 6 neutrons - an atom with 6 protons and 6 neutrons

Explanation:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons (and thus different mass numbers). Let's analyze each option:

• First option: Protons are 8 and 7 (different elements), so not isotopes.
• Second option: Protons are 6 and 8 (different elements), so not isotopes.
• Third option: Both have 6 protons (same element, carbon), and neutrons are 6 and 7 (different), so these are isotopes.
• Fourth option: Protons are 7 and 6 (different elements), so not isotopes.

Answer:

an atom with 6 protons and 6 neutrons - an atom with 6 protons and 7 neutrons