Isotope

What is Isotope?

Isotopes are different atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Because the proton number is unchanged they are the same element, and because the neutron number differs they have different mass numbers. Extended candidates also state that isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties, because they have the same number of electrons and therefore the same electronic configuration.

This definition is part of the Atoms, Elements and Compounds chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.

Concepts related to Isotope

• Proton Number
• Mass number
• Electronic Configuration
• Relative atomic mass

Common mistakes with Isotope

• 4. “Change the number of neutrons and you get a different element.” Core 2.3.1 Repair You get a different isotope of the same element. Identity is set by the proton number alone. Taught fully in Lesson 2.3A.