Multiple Choice
How many neutrons does a lithium (Li) atom typically have?
2. Atoms & Elements
Isotopes
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Isotopes differ from each other in what way?
A
Number of neutrons
B
Atomic number
C
Number of protons
D
Number of electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Recall that the atomic number of an element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is the same for all isotopes of an element.
Recognize that the number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons, so isotopes of an element have the same number of electrons.
Identify that the difference in isotopes lies in the number of neutrons, which affects the atomic mass but not the chemical properties.
Conclude that isotopes differ from each other in the number of neutrons, while the atomic number, number of protons, and number of electrons remain constant for isotopes of the same element.
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