What is the difference between an isotopic and isoelectronic species?

Isotopes are chemical species that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons as each other in their nuclei. For example, Deuterium (H2) and Tritium (H3) are isotopes of Hydrogen.Chemical species can be said to be isoelectronic when they have the same number of electrons, for example O2- and F- are isoelectronic ions as they both have 10 electrons. You can also have isoelectronic molecules, for example both N2 and CO2 have 14 electrons.

SK
Answered by Sohail K. Chemistry tutor

21889 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Draw the structure of chlorine pentafluoride (ClF5) according to the VSEPR theory


Explain the reasons for the changes in reactivity of Phenol, Benzene and MethylBenzene


What is the rate of a reaction and how can you determine it experimentally?


which element has a lower first ionisation energy, Magnesium or Aluminium?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning