What defines an isotone?

An isotone is defined as atoms that have the same number of neutrons but a different number of protons. This means that while the neutron count remains constant, the variation in the number of protons results in different chemical elements. For example, if two isotones both possess five neutrons, one may have three protons (lithium) and the other may have four protons (beryllium).

Understanding this definition is crucial for grasping the concepts in nuclear chemistry and atomic physics, as it highlights the differences among isotopes of elements based on their neutron count while remaining mindful of how protons define the distinct elements’ identities.