What is the correct term for atoms of a single element that possess different numbers of neutrons?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 5, 2017

#"An isotope............."#

Explanation:

The number of protons always defines the identity of the element inasmuch as it gives #Z#, the atomic number. The simplest atom, hydrogen, has a number of common isotopes, i.e. #""^1H#, #"protium",# #""^2H#, #"deuterium",# #""^3H#, #"tritium".# What are the numbers of neutrons in each nucleus?

Related questions
See all questions in Basic Atomic Structure
Impact of this question
2061 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License