2006-09-13 12:24:44 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Atom of an element with a different number of neutrons while still retaining the same number of protons and electrons.
Ex. normally carbon has a molar mass of 12 amu, but its radioactive isotope has a mass of 14 amu, hence it has two more neutrons in its nucleus
2006-09-13 13:07:42 · answer #1 · answered by x overmyhead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An isotope is a form of an element. If there are more than one stable isotope, the difference is the number of neutrons. For a single element, it will always have the same number of protons and electrons but the number of neutrons can vary. If the number of neutrons creates an unstable isotope, it will undergo radioactive decay.
2006-09-17 18:45:02 · answer #2 · answered by Lorelei 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An isotope to an element is the same element (as defined by the atomic number) with a different atomic mass, meaning a different number of neutrons.
2006-09-13 19:27:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋