Which of the following pairs are isotopes of each other?

• A. 23Na and 24Mg
• B. 12C and 14C
• C. 16O and 16N
• D. 1H and 2He

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
2. Identify the atomic number (number of protons) for each element in the pairs given. For example, sodium (Na) has 11 protons, magnesium (Mg) has 12 protons, carbon (C) has 6 protons, oxygen (O) has 8 protons, nitrogen (N) has 7 protons, hydrogen (H) has 1 proton, and helium (He) has 2 protons.
3. Compare the atomic numbers of each pair to see if they are the same. If the atomic numbers differ, the pair cannot be isotopes because they are different elements.
4. For pairs with the same atomic number, check if their mass numbers (sum of protons and neutrons) differ. If yes, then those pairs are isotopes.
5. Based on this analysis, determine which pair(s) are isotopes by confirming they have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.