Question

Which statement best explains how isotopes can have different masses and still be the same element?

A
The quantity of protons identifies the element but changes if the mass of the isotope differs from what is shown on the periodic table.

B
The sum of the electrons and neutrons equals the isotope's mass with the proton amount being given by the atomic number.

C
The sum of the protons and electrons equals the mass of the isotope, and the neutron amount is equal to the atomic number.

D
The quantity of protons identifies the element and cannot change; therefore, the neutron amount

Answer 1

The answer would be D. The amount of protons does NOT change. This is the atomic number of an element and is what classifies the different elements.

Isotopes are elements with different numbers of neutrons.

Answer 2

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