An autonomous deep-space probe sampling the atmosphere of an exoplanet detects two distinct forms of neutral atoms belonging to the same isolated gaseous element. Sensor telemetry reveals that Type 1 atoms contain 17 protons and 18 neutrons, whereas Type 2 atoms contain 17 protons and 20 neutrons. Based on their subatomic composition, how are these two types of atoms related, and how do their fundamental properties compare?

A) They are isotopes of the same element that exhibit virtually identical chemical behavior but differ in physical properties such as mass.

B) They are distinct chemical elements with different atomic numbers that form bonds through completely different valence electron configurations.

C) They are allotropes of the same element that possess identical physical densities because their total nucleon counts are equivalent.

D) They are isobars that share the same mass number but differ substantially in their chemical reactivity toward other substances.

Isotopes Original Scenario-Based Practice

Chemistry · Atomic Structure · Chemistry · Atoms & Subatomic Particles

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Atomic Structure · Chemistry

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