Here's why:
* Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (which defines the element) but different numbers of neutrons.
* Protons determine an element's atomic number.
* Neutrons contribute to the atom's mass number.
Example:
* Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 are both isotopes of carbon.
* They both have 6 protons.
* Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons (12 - 6 = 6).
* Carbon-14 has 8 neutrons (14 - 6 = 8).
Let me know if you'd like to know more about isotopes or any other chemistry concepts!
