Looking at the worksheet, I need to answer question 2: "Briefly explain what isotopes are and how they differ from one another."
Let me think through this carefully based on what's shown in the image.
From the diagram, I can see two carbon atoms:
- Carbon-12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons (mass number = 12)
- Carbon-13 has 6 protons and 7 neutrons (mass number = 13)
Both have the same number of protons (6), which makes them both carbon atoms. But they have different numbers of neutrons, which gives them different mass numbers.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This means they have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
The key difference is in their neutron count, which affects their mass but not their chemical identity (since the proton count determines what element it is).
Final Answer: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. They differ from one another by having different mass numbers due to the varying neutron counts, while maintaining the same atomic number and chemical properties.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of nature of matter worksheet.
