Isotopes of an element differ in that they have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons .

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement is a fill-in-the-blank type about isotopes, where two terms are needed to complete it meaningfully.
Option 1: protons. Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons while keeping the same number of protons, which is the defining feature that keeps their chemical identity (element) unchanged. The protons determine the element's identity (atomic number), so having the same number of protons is essential for isotopes to be the same element.
Option 2: neutrons. The distinguishing feature of isotopes is that they have different numbers of neutrons, which changes the atomic mass without changing the element’s identity. Varying neutrons explains the mass differences among isotopes of the same element and is why isotopes are heavier or lighter while staying the same chemically.
Note: electrons are not part of this comparison since isotopes are defined by protons (and neutrons) rather than electron count; the electron number can vary (ionization) without altering the isotope classification. Since both blanks are correctly filled with protons and neutrons, the statement accurately describes isotopes.

Isotopes of an element differ in that they have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons .Multiple dropdown selections

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Isotopes of an element differ in that they have the same number of [ Select ] neutrons protons but different numbers of [ Select ] neutrons protons .

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