State the relative charge and relative mass of a proton, of a neutron and of an electron. In terms of particles, explain the relationship between two isotopes of the same element. Explain why these isotopes have identical chemical properties.

Proton: Relative Mass = 1, Relative Charge = +1Neutron: Relative Mass = 1, Relative Charge = 0Electron: Relative Mass = ~1/1870, Relative Charge = -1
Isotopes vary in the number of neutrons and therefore vary in mass. The reactivity and chemistry is very similar as reactivity is determined by the number of electrons present, which is in turn dependent on the number of protons in the nucleus which is the same across isotopes of the same element. Neutrons do not affect an element's chemical properties.

EP
Answered by Edward P. Chemistry tutor

11563 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why alkenes can have stereoisomers


Explain the reactions of CH3CH2Cl with the nucleophile NH3 and name the initial product formed.


Calculate Gibbs free energy when S = 131 J mol-1 and H = 155 kJ mol-1 at 25 C, stating whether or not the reaction is feasable.


What is a rate of reaction? How can we calculate the rate of reaction?


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