Question

In an atom, the number of neutrons determines most specifically the ________.

Answer 1

In an atom, the number of neutrons determines most specifically the isotopes of an element.

Further Explanation

An atom  

• An atom is defined as the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction.
• Atoms are made of energy shells and the inner nucleus.
• It is also made up of subatomic particles, protons and neutrons.

Neutrons  

• They are sub-atomic particles in an atom that are found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a zero charge or no charge.
• Neutrons are slightly heavier than protons.
• The number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus of an atom results to the atomic mass number of an atom. Like protons they only take part in nuclear reactions.

Protons

• Protons are subatomic particles that are found in the nucleus of an atom. They are positively charged. with a charge of +1.
• The number of protons differ from one element to another and thus used as the atomic number of an individual element.
• The nucleus of an atom is positively charged due to the positive charge of the protons.  
• Additionally, protons do not take part in chemical reactions but in nuclear reactions.

Electrons  

• They are found orbiting the nucleus on energy shells based on Clouds’ theory. Electrons are negatively charged each with a charge of -1.
• The number of electrons and protons in a neutral atom are equal. Additionally they have the least mass of the three sub-atomic particles.
• Electrons are the only sub-atomic particles that take part in chemical reactions.

Isotopes

• Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same mass number but different atomic number.

Mass number;

• Mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom of an element.

Keywords: Atom, sub-atomic particles, electrons, protons, neutrons, isotopes  

Learn more about:

• Sub-atomic particles: brainly.com/question/12762384
• Electrons: brainly.com/question/1264222
• Protons: brainly.com/question/1264222
• Neutrons: brainly.com/question/1264222
• Mass number: brainly.com/question/2152789
• Atomic number: brainly.com/question/8100107

Level: High school

Subject: Chemistry  

Topic: Atomic structure

Answer 2

In an atom, the number of neutrons determines most specifically the $\boxed{{\text{isotopes}}}$.

Further Explanation:

The smallest component of an element and the building block of matter is known as an atom. It is made up of a central part which is called atomic nucleus. It contains protons and neutrons in it. Nucleon is a collective term that is used for both protons and neutrons. Electrons revolve around the nucleus in definite circular paths called orbits. Protons are the subatomic particles having a positive charge whereas neutrons do not carry any charge. Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles. An atom is usually denoted as $_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}{\text{X}}$, where X is the element symbol, Z is the atomic number and A is the atomic mass or mass number.

Atomic number indicates the total number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. In other words, the total positive charge in the atomic nucleus is known as the atomic number. The total number of nucleons present in the atomic nucleus is known as the atomic mass.

The atoms of the same element that has the same atomic number but different atomic masses are called isotopes. For example, $_{\text{6}}^{{\text{11}}}{\text{C}}$ and $_{\text{6}}^{{\text{12}}}{\text{C}}$ are isotopes. Both these atoms belong to the carbon element so these have the same atomic number (6) and therefore the number of protons is the same in both. For a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons so these have the same number of electrons also. The only difference in these is the number of neutrons which is different in both isotopes. $_{\text{6}}^{{\text{11}}}{\text{C}}$ has 5 neutrons while there are 6 neutrons in $_{\text{6}}^{{\text{12}}}{\text{C}}$.

Therefore, the number of neutrons determines the isotopes of an element.

Learn more:

1. Component of John Dalton’s atomic theory: brainly.com/question/2357175
2. Basis of investigation for the scientists: brainly.com/question/158048

Answer details:

Grade: Senior School

Chapter: Atomic structure

Subject: Chemistry

Keywords: atom, element, matter, atomic nucleus, electrons, protons, neutrons, subatomic particle, A, X, Z, atomic number, positive charge, orbits, circular paths, isotopes.