Are all atoms of an element identical in their structure?
All atoms of an element contain the same number of protons in their nucleus. However, the number of neutrons may vary among isotopes of an element, and the number of electrons may vary, depending on the charge of the particular atom.Atomic NumberThe atomic number gives the number of protons in the nucleus of an element’s atoms. The atomic number is unique for each element.IsotopesMany elements have atoms with differing numbers of neutrons in their nucleus. These different variations of an element are termed isotopes.Hydrogen IsotopesHydrogen, for example, has three isotopes, all of which have only one proton in their nucleus. The hydrogen isotope protium has no neutrons, deuterium has one neutron and tritium has two neutrons.ElectronsA neutrally charged atom has the same number of electrons as protons. Electrons are frequently gained or lost by atoms under a variety of conditions, creating a charged atom called an ion. Changing the number of electrons does not create a new element.Atom
