Same electrons, same chemistry
Isotopes behave alike chemically.
Twins that act alike
Isotopes of an element differ in their number of neutrons. But their chemical behaviour is very similar.
What do you think is the reason that isotopes behave alike in chemical changes?
What this lesson covers
The idea
Isotopes have the same number of electrons and electronic configuration, so they have the same chemical properties, which depend mainly on valence electrons, but differ in physical properties like melting and boiling points.
Twins that act alike
Isotopes of an element differ in their number of neutrons. But their chemical behaviour is very similar.
What do you think is the reason that isotopes behave alike in chemical changes?
- They have the same number of electrons
- They have the same number of neutrons
- They have the same mass
Same or different?
Sort each property for isotopes of one element.
Electrons decide chemistry
Chemical properties depend mainly on the valence electrons. Isotopes have the same electrons, so they act alike chemically. Their physical properties, such as melting and boiling points, differ.
Isotopes have the same number of electrons and electronic configuration, so they have the same chemical properties, which depend mainly on valence electrons. They differ in physical properties like melting and boiling points.
Notes
Isotopes have the same electrons and configuration, so the same chemical properties (they depend on valence electrons), but different physical properties like melting and boiling points.
Check yourself
Why do isotopes have similar chemical properties?
Which property of isotopes differs?
Chemical properties of an atom depend mainly on its …
- They have the same number of neutrons. Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons.
- They have the same mass number. Isotopes have different mass numbers.
- They have the same number of electrons and the same electronic configuration — correct. Yes!
- Boiling point — correct. Yes!
- Number of valence electrons. Isotopes have the same number of valence electrons.
- Electronic configuration. Isotopes have the same electronic configuration.
- neutrons. Isotopes differ in neutrons yet have the same chemical properties.
- valence electrons — correct. Yes!
- mass number. Isotopes differ in mass number yet have the same chemical properties.