* Number of neutrons: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons (which defines the element), but they can have different numbers of neutrons.
* Atomic mass: The difference in neutrons affects the atomic mass. Isotopes of the same element have slightly different atomic masses.
Let's break it down with an example:
* Carbon-12 is the most common form of carbon. It has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.
* Carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon. It still has 6 protons, but it has 8 neutrons.
Both carbon-12 and carbon-14 are carbon because they both have 6 protons. But their different numbers of neutrons make them isotopes.
Key things to remember:
* Isotopes are variations of the same element.
* The difference lies in the number of neutrons, which affects the atomic mass.
* Isotopes have the same chemical properties as the "regular" atom of the element because the number of electrons (which determine chemical behavior) remains the same.
Let me know if you'd like more details or have another question!
