Definition

A type of atom that has the same number of protons as another atom of the same element but a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different mass.

Example

Carbon-14 is a well-known isotope used in dating ancient artifacts.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an isotope?

Yeah, I think it’s something related to chemistry, right?

Exactly! It refers to atoms of the same element with different mass numbers.

That’s pretty interesting! I didn’t know they had different physical properties.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Isotope is formed from "iso-" (meaning equal) and "topos" (meaning place). The term refers to atoms that occupy the same place in the periodic table but have different numbers of neutrons, hence differing in mass while being chemically identical.

Memory Tip

Think of 'equal' ('iso-') places ('topos') in the periodic table — that's why isotopes are different forms of the same element.

Visually Confused Words