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?

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