Question
Different ISOTOPES of an element have. __ [ALL of these] DIFFERENT masses the SAME chemical PROPERTIES DIFFERENT degrees of STABILITY
Answer
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Glenda
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
All of these- Different masses, the same chemical properties, different degrees of stability.
Explanation
Isotopes are different forms of a single element that share the same number of protons, but have different number of neutrons. This different number of neutrons leads to different atomic masses for the isotopes, meaning that different isotopes of an element will indeed have different masses. Fundamental chemical properties, like reactivity and compound forming, are determined largely by the number of protons and electrons, which differ atom to atom but not isotope to isotope. Consequently, different isotopes of the same element share the same chemical properties. In terms of stability, isotopes will differ. The extra or fewer neutrons in an isotope impact nuclear forces in the atom. When these forces vary, it changes the isotope's degree of stability, with some isotopes being quite stable, while others can be very unstable leading to radioactive decay. Therefore, we can conclude that different isotopes of an element differ in their masses and degrees of stability, but maintain the same chemical properties.