Chemistry students often confuse the concepts of isotopes and ions
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · CBSE · Chemistry · Structure of the Atom · Structure of the Atom
Problem
Chemistry students often confuse the concepts of isotopes and ions. Consider the following three species:
(a) For each of the three species listed, state the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
(b) Explain why species 1 and 2 are isotopes or are not isotopes of each other, and why each is or is not an ion.
(c) Despite having different atomic numbers, species 2 (K+) and species 3 (Ar) have the same number of electrons. Describe qualitatively how the heavier nuclear charge in potassium affects the allowed Bohr energy levels of those electrons compared with argon.