Question

Nuclides with the same number of neutrons are called:

• A. Isobars
• B. Isotones
• C. Isotopes
• D. Isomers

Hint:

Memory trick:

Iso\textbf{topes} → same pro\textbf{tons}
Iso\textbf{tones} → same neu\textbf{trons}
Iso\textbf{bars} → same mass num\textbf{ber}

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To solve the given question, we need to understand the definitions of the terms provided in the options: Isobars, Isotones, Isotopes, and Isomers.

1. Isobars: Nuclides with the same mass number (A) but different atomic numbers (Z). This implies they have different numbers of protons and differing numbers of neutrons.
2. Isotones: Nuclides with the same number of neutrons (N) but different numbers of protons. This satisfies the condition given in the question.
3. Isotopes: Nuclides with the same atomic number (Z), hence the same number of protons, but different mass numbers due to different numbers of neutrons.
4. Isomers: Compounds or nuclides with the same formula or nuclide composition but differing in energy states or configurations, typically relevant in chemistry rather than nuclear physics.

Hence, the correct answer is that nuclides with the same number of neutrons are called Isotones.

Let's verify the incorrect options based on the definitions:

• Isobars are incorrect because they relate to the same mass number, not the neutron count.
• Isotopes are incorrect because they share the same proton count, not neutrons.
• Isomers are incorrect as they pertain to energy states or configurations, not neutron count.

Therefore, the final conclusion is that the nuclides with the same number of neutrons are termed as Isotones.