A mass spectrometer analysis of a purified sample of chlorine identifies two distinct neutral atoms, designated Atom 1 and Atom 2. Atom 1 possesses 17 protons and 18 neutrons, while Atom 2 possesses 17 protons and 20 neutrons. Based on these subatomic structures, which statement correctly compares these two atoms?

A) They exhibit identical chemical reactivity toward sodium because they share the same electron configuration, but they differ in mass number.

B) They have different chemical properties because their differing neutron numbers alter the arrangement of valence electrons.

C) They possess identical physical properties, such as density and rate of diffusion, because their atomic numbers are equal.

D) They represent two completely different chemical elements because their total nucleon counts are unequal.

Isotopes Transitional Reasoning Practice

Chemistry · Atomic Structure · Chemistry · Atoms & Subatomic Particles

1 Chemistry practice questions on Isotopes. Questions that build towards applied reasoning.

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Atomic Structure · Chemistry

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