looney_tunes Moderator 20 year member
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Isotopes are two atoms with the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons. Because they have the same number of proton they are atoms of the same element, but with different masses. For example, most carbon is C-12 (with 6 protons and 6 neutrons); the radioactive isotope used for carbon dating is C-14 (with 6 protons and 8 neutrons).
Isomers are two molecules with the same atoms joined together in a different shape. For example, butane is C4H10, with the four carbon atoms joined in a straight chain; methylpropane is also C4H10, but with the carbon atoms joined in a T shape.
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