Electronic Configuration of Isotopes
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 2.3.2
Electronic Configuration of Isotopes
Two atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons are said to be isotopes.
Isotopes
- Isotopes are forms of an element that have the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons (and so different nucleon numbers).
- Isotopes have the same properties as each other because they have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.
Nuclides
- A nuclide is a type of isotope.
- A nuclide refers to a specific nucleus that contains a certain number of protons and neutrons.
- A carbon nuclide with 6 protons and 6 neutrons is different to a carbon nuclide with 6 protons and 7 neutrons. However, both are isotopes of carbon.
Test yourself on Electronic Configuration of Isotopes
Which of these are true?
Why do isotopes have the same properties?