What are isobars and isotopes?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the definitions of isobars and isotopes in atomic theory, including their differences and examples.
Answer
Isobars: Same mass, different atomic number. Isotopes: Same atomic number, different mass.
Isobars are atoms with different atomic numbers but the same mass number, like 40K and 40Ca. Isotopes are atoms with the same atomic number but different mass numbers, like
1 H,
2 H, and
3 H.
Answer for screen readers
Isobars are atoms with different atomic numbers but the same mass number, like 40K and 40Ca. Isotopes are atoms with the same atomic number but different mass numbers, like
1 H,
2 H, and
3 H.
More Information
Isobars have similar mass due to the same mass number, which can lead to similar physical properties despite different chemical behaviors. Isotopes of an element often have similar chemical properties but can have different nuclear stability.
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