Which of the following is correct for isotopes of the same element?

• A. They have different numbers of protons and the same number of neutrons.
• B. They have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
• C. They have different atomic numbers.
• D. They have different chemical symbols.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of isotopes: isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
2. Understand that the number of protons defines the element and its atomic number, so isotopes must have the same atomic number.
3. Recognize that because isotopes have the same number of protons, they have the same chemical symbol representing the element.
4. Note that the difference in the number of neutrons leads to different mass numbers for isotopes.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is: isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.