Question

Isotopes of an element have:
(A) Different chemical and physical properties
(B) Similar chemical and physical properties
(C) Similar chemical but different physical properties
(D) Similar physical but different chemical properties

Answer 1

Hint: An isotope of an element has the same number of electrons and protons present in the atom. The atomic weight of the isotopes is not the same as the number of neutrons present in the nucleus is not same in isotopes.

Complete step by step solution:
An isotope of an element has a similar number of electrons and protons present in the atom but the number of neutrons present in the atom differs. Thus, the atomic weight of isotopes is not the same.
-Now, chemical properties of the atom depend upon the electronic configuration of the atom. The chemical property of the atom is the ability of the atom to react with other atom or molecule.
-We know that number of electrons present in the atom and its configuration remains the same in isotopes. As the electronic configuration remains the same, its chemical properties of the atoms also remain the same. So, we can say that isotopes have similar chemical properties. As an example will react with oxygen or any other molecule in the same manner.
-As the atomic weight of the atom differs in the isotopes, we observe that certain physical properties may vary among other isotopes. As an example, Carbon-12 is not radioactive atom but carbon-13 which has an atomic weight of 13gm per mole shows radioactivity. Density also changes as the atomic weight of the atom changes. So, we can conclude that the physical properties of the isotopes are not the same.

Thus, correct answer is (C).

Note: Do not get confused between isotopes, isobars and isotones. Isobars are the elements which have the same molecular weight but the number of protons and electrons present in the atom may be different. Isotones have the same number of neutrons present in the nucleus.