Two nuclides having same number of neutrons but differ in protons number:
Wait, isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same protons but different neutrons. Isotones, on the other hand, have the same number of neutrons but different protons. Oh right, that's the term. So the answer should be isotones. Let me check the options again. The correct answer is option C, but the user didn't list the options. Wait, the user provided the question with A, B, C, D but didn't fill them in. Oh, maybe they just left placeholders. Anyway, the key is to explain the concept correctly.
Core concept here is isotones. The question is testing understanding of nuclear terminology. Isotones have the same neutron count, different protons. Isotopes same protons, different neutrons. Isobars same mass number (protons + neutrons), different protons and neutrons. So the correct term is isotones.
Now, the wrong options would be isotopes, isobars, and maybe something else like isomers. For example, isotopes are same protons, different neutrons. Isobars same mass number but different protons and neutrons. Isomers have same protons and neutrons but different energy states. So each wrong option is incorrect because they fit different definitions.
Clinical pearl: Remember the terms by the suffix "-tone" for neutrons. Isotones = same neutrons. Isotopes = same protons. Isobars = same mass number. That's a high-yield fact for exams.
**Core Concept**
This question examines nuclear terminology in chemistry. **Isotones** are nuclides with the same number of neutrons but differing numbers of protons. This contrasts with **isotopes** (same protons, different neutrons) and **isobars** (same mass number, different protons and neutrons).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Isotones share identical neutron counts but have distinct proton numbers, resulting in different elements. For example, Carbon-14 (6 protons, 8 neutrons) and Nitrogen-15 (7 protons, 8 neutrons) are isotones. Their neutron number (8) is the same, but protons differ, altering their atomic identity and chemical properties.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Isotopes* are nuclides with the same protons but different neutrons (e.g., Carbon-12 vs. Carbon-14).
**Option B:** *Isobars* share the same mass number (protons + neutrons) but differ in both protons and neutrons (e.g., Argon-40 vs. Calcium-40).
**Option D:** *Isomers* are nuclides with the same protons and neutrons but different energy states (e.g., Technetium-99m vs.