TEAS 7 science practice Related

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How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

  • A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
  • B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
  • C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
  • D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.