Two atoms of the same element hold different numbers of neutrons. What are these two atoms?
AThey are isotopes
BThey are isomers
CThey are ions
DThey are allotropes
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. They are isotopes
1. The identity of an element is fixed by its number of protons alone.
2. Adding or removing a neutron therefore leaves the element unchanged.
3. Atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons are isotopes.
4. An ion is different again, since an ion has gained or lost electrons and carries a charge.
_Source: Siyavula Physical Sciences Grade 10 (Everything Science, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 4: The atom_
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