What is the difference between an isotopic and isoelectronic species?

Isotopes are chemical species that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons as each other in their nuclei. For example, Deuterium (H2) and Tritium (H3) are isotopes of Hydrogen.Chemical species can be said to be isoelectronic when they have the same number of electrons, for example O2- and F- are isoelectronic ions as they both have 10 electrons. You can also have isoelectronic molecules, for example both N2 and CO2 have 14 electrons.

SK
Answered by Sohail K. Chemistry tutor

21994 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Identify which 2 of the following processes involve an exothermic change: melting, boiling, freezing, deposition and sublimation


What is the structure of benzene?


Define the term 'first ionisation energy' and explain why the first ionisation energy shows a general increase across period 2


Explain what is meant by the term 'buffer solution' and give an example of a biological buffer system.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning