* Number of neutrons: This is the key difference.
* ⁷⁵As has 42 neutrons (75 - 33 = 42).
* ⁷⁴As has 41 neutrons (74 - 33 = 41).
* Atomic mass: While the number of protons (33) is the same for both isotopes, the different number of neutrons results in a slightly different atomic mass.
* ⁷⁵As has an atomic mass of approximately 74.9225 amu.
* ⁷⁴As has an atomic mass of approximately 73.9238 amu.
* Abundance:
* ⁷⁵As is the more abundant isotope, making up about 100% of naturally occurring arsenic.
* ⁷⁴As is a trace isotope, with an abundance of less than 1%.
Note: While both isotopes are chemically identical (they have the same number of protons and electrons), the difference in neutrons can influence their stability and decay properties. For example, some radioactive isotopes of arsenic decay through beta emission, where a neutron transforms into a proton, changing the element to selenium.
