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

12355 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between homolytic fission and heterolytic fission.


What is the pH of a 25 ml sample of 0.2 M sulfuric acid? What is the pH after 5 ml of 0.25 M sodium hydroxide is added?


give a possible reaction mechanism for the conversion of a haloalkane to alcohol


How does a mass spectrometer work?


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