ETS Major Field Test Chemistry Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

What term describes atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons?

Ions

Isomers

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons are referred to as isotopes. Isotopes have the same number of protons in their nuclei, which determines the element they belong to, but they differ in the number of neutrons. This difference affects the atomic mass of the isotopes but does not change the chemical properties of the element significantly, since those properties are primarily determined by the electron configuration surrounding the nucleus.

For example, carbon has several isotopes, including carbon-12 and carbon-14. Carbon-12, with six neutrons, is the most common form of carbon, while carbon-14, with eight neutrons, is used in radiocarbon dating due to its radioactive properties.

Understanding isotopes is crucial in various fields, such as geology, archaeology, and medicine, as they can provide valuable insights into processes like radioactive decay or the lifespan of materials.

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Allotropes

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