The distinction between an "element" and an "isotope" is
A) an element has a specific number of neutrons; an isotope has a specific number of both protons and neutrons.
B) an element has a specific number of protons; an isotope has a specific number of neutrons.
C) an element has a specific number of protons; an isotope has a specific number of both protons and neutrons.
D) an element has a specific number of both protons and neutrons; an isotope has a specific number of protons.
E) these two words have the same meaning, but "element" is used by chemists while "isotope" is used by physicists.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An element is defined by its number of protons, while isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

The Distinction Between an "Element" and an "Isotope" Is