Question

What are isotopes? With reference to which fundamental particle do isotopes differ? Give two uses of isotopes.

Answer 1

Isotopes: Atoms of the same element having the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

Isotopes differ with reference to neutrons.

Uses of isotopes:

Some isotopes are radioactive, i.e. isotopes of cobalt are used for treating cancer and other diseases.

An isotope of ²³⁵U is used as a fuel in a nuclear reactor