Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Atoms- Smallest Unit of Matter

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Atoms- Smallest Unit of Matter

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1:58 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Isotopes of an element differ from each other in the number of
(a) Protons in the nucleus
(b) Neutrons in the nucleus
(c) Electrons in the outer shells
(d) a, b, and c are all correct

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of isotopes. Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons in their nuclei.

Step 2: Recall that the number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number of an element, which is constant for all isotopes of that element. Therefore, isotopes do not differ in the number of protons.

Step 3: Consider the number of neutrons in the nucleus. Isotopes differ in the number of neutrons, which results in different atomic masses for the isotopes of the same element.

Step 4: Examine the number of electrons in the outer shells. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, and this does not change between isotopes. Therefore, isotopes do not differ in the number of electrons.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is (b) neutrons in the nucleus, as isotopes differ only in the number of neutrons while maintaining the same number of protons and electrons.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. This difference in neutron count results in varying atomic masses for the isotopes of the same element, while their chemical properties remain largely unchanged due to the identical proton count.

Protons and Neutrons

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom, and their number defines the element's identity (atomic number). Neutrons are neutral particles also located in the nucleus, and they contribute to the atomic mass. The variation in the number of neutrons among isotopes leads to different isotopic forms of the same element.

Electrons

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom in electron shells. While the number of electrons typically equals the number of protons in a neutral atom, isotopes do not differ in electron count. Therefore, the distinction between isotopes is primarily based on the number of protons and neutrons, not electrons.