Question

Fill in the blanks to correctly complete the sentence: The nuclei of two isotopes of an element contains the same number of __________ but a different number of __________.

Short answer

The nuclei of two isotopes of an element contain the same number of \(protons\) but a different number of \(neutrons\).

Step-by-step solution

Recall the definition of isotopes

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons present in their nuclei but have the same number of protons.

Identify the terms for the blanks

Based on the definition of isotopes, the first blank requires a term that represents the same quantity in the nuclei of two isotopes, which are protons. The second blank requires a term that differs between the isotopes, which would be the neutrons.

Fill in the blanks with the correct terms

The nuclei of two isotopes of an element contain the same number of \(\underline{protons}\) but a different number of \(\underline{neutrons}\).

Key concepts

Neutrons

Neutrons are particles found in the nucleus of an atom that carry no electric charge. They are one of the two main components of the atomic nucleus, the other being protons. Since neutrons have no charge, they do not affect the electrical properties of an atom. However, they do play a crucial role in the stability of the nucleus. Without neutrons, protons would repel each other due to their positive charge, making the nucleus unstable.

Neutrons are significant because they help determine the isotope of an element. Isotopes are variants of elements that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count can influence the physical properties of the element, such as its atomic mass and radioactive behavior. Neutrons are central in processes like nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split, releasing a large amount of energy. Understanding neutrons gives insight into the fascinating world of isotopes and nuclear reactions.

Protons

Protons are positively charged particles located within the nucleus of an atom. Each proton carries a single positive charge, making them crucial in defining an element's identity. The number of protons present in an atom's nucleus is called the atomic number, which is unique for each element and serves as the primary identifier on the periodic table.

Because protons determine the atomic number, they also dictate the chemistry of the element. For example, hydrogen has one proton, helium has two, and so forth. This number defines how an element interacts with others in chemical reactions and what kind of compounds it can form. In isotopes, while the number of neutrons may vary, the proton count remains constant, ensuring the element's chemical identity is not altered. Protons also play a vital role in the nuclear forces that hold the nucleus together.

Atomic Structure

The atomic structure refers to the organization of particles within an atom, primarily consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Atoms are the basic units of matter, and their structure dictates how they interact with other atoms and molecules.

In the center of an atom is a dense nucleus composed of protons and neutrons. Surrounding the nucleus is a "cloud" of electrons, which are negatively charged particles. These electrons are arranged in levels or shells that are determined by their energy levels. The interaction between protons in the nucleus and electrons in the cloud defines the chemical properties and reactivity of the element.

Understanding atomic structure is fundamental to chemistry and physics, as it explains the behavior of elements and how they bond to form compounds. The arrangement and number of subatomic particles within an atom influence its mass, charge, and overall reactivity, shaping the vast diversity of the material world.