Question

complete the statement.
isotopes are atoms that have______.
choose 1 answer:
the same number of protons and the same number of neutronsthe same number of protons and a different number of neutronsa different number of protons and the same number of neutronsa different number of protons and a different number of neutrons

Explanation:

Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element. Since elements are identified by the number of protons (atomic number), isotopes must have the same number of protons. However, isotopes have different mass numbers. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Since protons are the same, the difference in mass number implies a different number of neutrons.

Answer:

B. the same number of protons and a different number of neutrons